Tolentino resigns from PDP over 'significant differences' in WPS issue

Metro Manila, Philippines — Sen. Francis Tolentino has stepped down from the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) Party due to “significant differences” on the West Philippine Sea issue.

Tolentino addressed the letter dated Aug. 5 to Sen. Robin Padilla, the new PDP president.

On July 25, Padilla proposed for Tolentino to quit as PDP party vice president for Luzon and member “so he can attend to his added duties as new Senate majority leader.”

This would also help the party in enhancing its independence, Padilla said.

But Tolentino’s resignation letter included a previous letter to Padilla’s predecessor, Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Alvarez.

It read that Tolentino decided to “disengage from PDP Party activities and pursue a path, for now, as an independent legislator, effective immediately.” It was not dated.

“This decision comes after careful consideration and is due to significant differences in our foreign policy directions, particularly regarding the West Philippine Sea,” he wrote.

Former President Rodrigo Duterte is PDP chairman. Duterte had warmed up to China in the WPS dispute.

“The party’s inclination on bilateral dialogue concerning these matters, while having merit, may not fully align with the principles established by the Arbitral Ruling and might weaken our position in the international arena,” Tolentino said.

He referred to the 2016 Arbitral Award which invalidated China’s sweeping claims in the South China Sea under its “nine-dash line.” Beijing has rejected the ruling.

The party’s approach “might not adequately protect the rights and livelihoods of our fishermen, the bravery of our soldiers, and acknowledge the critical role of our international allies,” Tolentino said.

“A stronger, more resolute multilateral alliance with our historical allies and like-minded nations is crucial for effectively addressing challenges in the West Philippine Sea and ensuring regional stability,” he added.

Under the Marcos administration, the Philippines has filed over 100 diplomatic protests against China’s “aggressive actions” in the disputed waterway.

A Filipino Navy personnel lost his thumb following a collision during a resupply mission to the Ayungin Shoal.

The Philippines and China recently signed a provisional arrangement for resupply and rotation missions to the Ayungin Shoal.

Friendship with Duterte still intact

In a news conference, Tolentino said he had a conversation with Duterte in Davao even before Padilla called for his resignation.

Tolentino said the former president understood his position and that it was based on principles.

“Kami po ay hindi naghihiwalay at patuloy ko siyang sinusuportahan,” the senator said.

[Translation: We are not leaving one another and I continue to support him.]

“Napakabait ni [dating] Presidente Duterte, lahat naunawaan niya,” Tolentino said. “Sabi niya, ‘Francis kung ano yung sa tingin mong tama, gawin mo. Wala kang makikita, wala kang maririnig na kakaiba na sasabihin ko, at sinusuportahan kita diyan.”

[Translation: Former President Duterte was very kind, he understands everything. He said, “Francis, do what you think is right. You will not see or hear anything different from me and I support you.”]

Tolentino said he believes the International Criminal Court should not be granted entry to the Philippines for its probe on Duterte’s bloody drug war.

Tolentino said he hopes his friendship also with Senators Padilla, Ronald dela Rosa, and Bong Go will continue.

Newswatch Plus multiplatform producer Jelo Ritzhie Mantaring contributed to this report.