China imposes sanction vs Tolentino; ex-senator calls it 'badge of honor'
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China imposes sanction vs Tolentino; ex-senator calls it 'badge of honor'
Jauhn Etienne Villaruel,
ABS-CBN News
Published Jul 01, 2025 01:30 PM PHT
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Updated Jul 01, 2025 05:47 PM PHT
Former senator Francis Tolentino during Harapan 2025 at the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City on March 25, 2025. Alexis Carlo Corpuz, ABS-CBN News
Former senator Francis Tolentino during Harapan 2025 at the ABS-CBN compound in Quezon City on March 25, 2025. Alexis Carlo Corpuz, ABS-CBN NewsMANILA (UPDATED) — China on Tuesday imposed sanctions on former Sen. Francis Tolentino over his "egregious conduct on China-related issues," identifying him among the "handful of anti-China politicians in the Philippines."
MANILA (UPDATED) — China on Tuesday imposed sanctions on former Sen. Francis Tolentino over his "egregious conduct on China-related issues," identifying him among the "handful of anti-China politicians in the Philippines."
Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun announced that sanctions against Tolentino include barring his entry to Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.
Beijing's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun announced that sanctions against Tolentino include barring his entry to Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.
"For quite some time, driven by selfish interests, a handful of anti-China politicians in the Philippines have made malicious remarks and moves on issues related to China that are detrimental to China’s interests and China-Philippines relations," the ministry said.
"For quite some time, driven by selfish interests, a handful of anti-China politicians in the Philippines have made malicious remarks and moves on issues related to China that are detrimental to China’s interests and China-Philippines relations," the ministry said.
China did not cite Tolentino's particular actions that triggered the move, but the former senator has accused Beijing of espionage activities, harassment of Filipino fishermen, among others.
China did not cite Tolentino's particular actions that triggered the move, but the former senator has accused Beijing of espionage activities, harassment of Filipino fishermen, among others.
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He also authored the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act in a bid to bolster the country's claims in the West Philippine Sea.
He also authored the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act in a bid to bolster the country's claims in the West Philippine Sea.
In response, Tolentino said he acknowledged China's sanctions, but stood firm that his actions were "for defending the rights, dignity, and sovereignty of the Filipino people in the West Philippine Sea."
In response, Tolentino said he acknowledged China's sanctions, but stood firm that his actions were "for defending the rights, dignity, and sovereignty of the Filipino people in the West Philippine Sea."
He said China's sanction was a "badge of honor."
He said China's sanction was a "badge of honor."
"This sanction is a badge of honor and a testament to my unwavering commitment to protect our national interest and our people's dignity. No foreign power can silence me or weaken my resolve to uphold our sovereignty," he said.
"This sanction is a badge of honor and a testament to my unwavering commitment to protect our national interest and our people's dignity. No foreign power can silence me or weaken my resolve to uphold our sovereignty," he said.
The Department of Foreign Affairs says it has "noted the measures imposed by China on a Filipino national."
The Department of Foreign Affairs says it has "noted the measures imposed by China on a Filipino national."
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"While these measures are legally within China’s prerogative, they are not conducive to mutual efforts to restore mutual trust and improve bilateral relations," they added.
"While these measures are legally within China’s prerogative, they are not conducive to mutual efforts to restore mutual trust and improve bilateral relations," they added.
'SUMMON CHINESE AMBASSADOR'
In a statement, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada defended his former colleague, saying Tolentino was "well within his mandate" to craft laws in favor of the Philippines' maritime entitlements.
In a statement, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada defended his former colleague, saying Tolentino was "well within his mandate" to craft laws in favor of the Philippines' maritime entitlements.
"Since when has crafting legislation that asserts our sovereign rights been considered egregious conduct?" Estrada asked.
"Since when has crafting legislation that asserts our sovereign rights been considered egregious conduct?" Estrada asked.
"It is appalling that efforts to defend our territorial claims are now being branded as 'egregious conduct.' China should be ashamed," the senator added.
"It is appalling that efforts to defend our territorial claims are now being branded as 'egregious conduct.' China should be ashamed," the senator added.
Estrada asked the DFA to summon China's ambassador to the Philippines.
Estrada asked the DFA to summon China's ambassador to the Philippines.
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"I urge the Department of Foreign Affairs to summon Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian to explain this unjust move and to formally convey our government's strong displeasure over the imposition of sanctions," he said.
"I urge the Department of Foreign Affairs to summon Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian to explain this unjust move and to formally convey our government's strong displeasure over the imposition of sanctions," he said.
— With a report from RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News
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