DFA summons Chinese ambassador over sanctions on Tolentino - Palace

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to formally express the Philippine government’s concern over China’s sanctions against former senator Francis Tolentino, who has been an outspoken advocate of the country’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

The diplomatic démarche, or official communication, was relayed on Friday, July4, said Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro, in a statement read by Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro during a Palace press briefing.

“The DFA conveyed to the Chinese side that, while the imposition of such sanctions falls within China’s legal prerogative, the imposition of punitive measures against democratically elected officials for their official acts is inconsistent with the norm of mutual respect and dialogue that underpin relations between two equal sovereign states,” the DFA statement read.

Lazaro said the Philippines, as a democratic nation, upholds freedom of expression and the constitutional separation of powers. It is within the mandate of senators and other elected officials to speak and inquire on matters of national and public interest.

“The Department reminded the Ambassador that as a democracy , the Philippines values freedom of expression . In the Philippines adherence to the constitutional separation of powers among the three branches of government , it is the mandate of Senators and other elected officials to inquire on the matter of national and public interests,” the DFA noted.

The agency reaffirmed its commitment to diplomacy and dialogue in addressing differences and expressed hope for continued constructive engagement with China to promote mutual understanding.

In a separate Palace briefing last week, Castro reiterated the administration’s firm stance on national sovereignty, asserting that China’s move to sanction Tolentino will not intimidate Filipinos vocal in defending the country’s territory.

She also reaffirmed the president’s firm position on the West Philippine Sea issue: “We will not yield even an inch of our territory to a foreign power.”

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs earlier announced it imposed sanctions on Tolentino for his “egregious conduct on China-related issues,” effectively banning him from entering the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao.

“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...,” the Chinese Foreign Ministry said.