Malacañang to China: Filipinos will not be silenced on West PH Sea
Metro Manila, Philippines - The government pushed back on China's sanction on former Senator Francis Tolentino over his vocal stance on the West Philippine Sea, asserting that no foreign power can muzzle Filipinos from defending the country’s maritime rights.
In a Palace briefing, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed that the development has been brought to the attention of relevant officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but said the matter falls under the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
"Ito naman po talaga ay naibalita, pero iyang katanungan po na iyan ay ibibigay po natin sa DFA, kung ano po ang kanilang magiging tugon," Castro said.
[Translation: This has indeed been reported, but we will defer that question to the DFA for their official response."]
China banned Tolentino from entering Chinese territory, including Hong Kong and Macau, over advocacy to defend sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.
“The Chinese government is firmly resolved to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests. China decides to impose sanctions on former Philippines senator Francis Tolentino for his egregious conduct on China-related issues and prohibit him from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
When asked whether the ban could create a “chilling effect” on other officials outspoken against China, Castro patriotism will not be cowed.
"Kung anuman po ang naging dahilan ng China sa pag-ban kay Senator Tolentino, kanila po itong desisyon. Pero ang bawat Pilipino, ang tunay na Pilipino at ang mga Pilipino na pro-Philippines, hindi nila ito mapapatahimik at hindi nila ito mapagbabawalan na ipagtanggol kung anuman ang karapatan natin sa ating bansa at sa ating maritime rights."
[Translation: Whatever China’s reasons for banning Senator Tolentino, that is their decision. But every Filipino - a true Filipino, and one who is pro-Philippines - will not be silenced or prevented from defending our country’s rights and maritime entitlements.]
She reaffirmed President Marcos’ position: “We will not yield even an inch of our territory to a foreign power.”
Asked whether the Palace plans to summon Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian over the matter, Castro said there is no word yet, and any possible diplomatic action would come from the DFA.
