Sanctioning Tolentino not helpful to PH-China relations - DFA
Metro Manila, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has cautioned that China’s decision to impose sanctions on former Senator Francis Tolentino is "not conducive" to efforts to repair and strengthen relations, underscoring concerns over rising diplomatic tensions.
In a brief but pointed statement, the DFA said it has "noted the measures imposed by China on a Filipino national," referring to the travel ban levied against Tolentino.
“While these measures are legally within China’s prerogative, they are not conducive to mutual efforts to restore mutual trust and improve bilateral relations,” it added.
The response followed an announcement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs over the weekend that Tolentino has been sanctioned and barred from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said the former senator was being punished for what Beijing described as “egregious conduct” and “malicious remarks” on China-related issues.
“Let me stress that there are consequences for hurting China’s interests,” Mao said during a press briefing. She accused “a handful of anti-China politicians in the Philippines” of undermining bilateral ties for “selfish interests.”
Tolentino, who has been outspoken in his criticism of China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea, said the sanctions imposed by Beijing could be considered a “badge of honor.”
He added that no foreign government can silence his voice or deter him from asserting the country’s territorial rights: “I am, and will always be, proud to be a Filipino.”
Before leaving office, Tolentino revealed in a Senate hearing that China had allegedly been funding troll farms through its embassy in Manila, a claim that stirred further controversy. He said the operation aimed to manipulate public opinion, attack national policies, and undermine Philippine sovereignty.
Tolentino was also a key proponent of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, measures to bolster the country’s legal and navigational control over its waters.
