Former Senator Francis Tolentino on China sanctions against him: “A badge of honor”

• The Chinese government has imposed sanctions on former Philippine Senator Francis Tolentino, barring him from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau, effective July 1, 2025.

• Tolentino views the sanctions as a "badge of honor," asserting they are a consequence of his firm defense of Philippine sovereign rights and national interest in the West Philippine Sea.

• China's action is attributed to Tolentino's "egregious behavior" and "malicious remarks," stemming from his role in authoring and sponsoring the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.

• The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs acknowledged China's prerogative to impose sanctions but stated that such measures are "not conducive to mutual efforts to restore mutual trust and improve bilateral relations."

Former Senator Francis Tolentino, in a significant development, confirmed that he is among those sanctioned by the Chinese government. The announcement, made by China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, prohibits Tolentino from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

The move reflected escalating tensions in the West Philippine Sea.

Tolentino, who recently concluded his term as Senate Majority Leader, issued a resolute statement acknowledging the sanctions. He framed the punitive measure as a "badge of honor," asserting that it is a direct consequence of his steadfast defense of the Philippines' sovereign rights, dignity, and national interest in the disputed waters.

"I have fought — and will continue to fight — for what rightfully belongs to our nation," Tolentino declared in his statement.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry's statement attributed the sanctions to what it described as Tolentino's "egregious behavior" and "malicious remarks and moves on issues related to China."

Beijing asserted that such actions have "harmed China's interests and undermined China-Philippines relations," emphasizing China's determination to safeguard its national sovereignty, security, and development interests.

During his tenure in the Senate, Tolentino chaired the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones, a body established in 2023 amid increasing friction between Manila and Beijing over the territorial disputes.

In this capacity, he was a principal author and sponsor of two landmark pieces of legislation signed into law last November: the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.

These laws formally define and affirm the extent of the Philippines' maritime territories and its rights to resources within its exclusive economic zone, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the 2016 Arbitral Ruling that favored the Philippines.

These legislative acts drew immediate condemnation from China, which claims virtually the entirety of the South China Sea.

Tolentino had previously stated that "Any objections from China must be met with unwavering defense of our sovereign rights and adherence to lawful arbitration outcomes."

He has also been vocal in accusing China of potential interference in Philippine elections and initiated investigations into alleged Chinese espionage.

In his recent statement regarding the sanctions, Tolentino reiterated his unwavering resolve. "No foreign power can silence me or weaken my resolve to uphold our sovereignty," he asserted, adding, "I am, and will always be, proud to be a Filipino."

His stance is consistent with the Philippine government's increasingly assertive approach to defending its territorial claims against China's expansive assertions.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) of the Philippines has acknowledged China's imposition of sanctions.

While recognizing that such measures are "legally within China's prerogative," the DFA stated that they are "not conducive to mutual efforts to restore mutual trust and improve bilateral relations."

This response underscores Manila's commitment to diplomatic engagement while firmly asserting its rights.

The imposition of sanctions on a former lawmaker signals a new dimension in the ongoing maritime dispute, as China appears to be directly targeting individuals perceived as opposing its claims.

This development is expected to further fuel the debate surrounding the Philippines' strategies in protecting its interests in the West Philippine Sea and its alliances with other nations.

Francis Tolentino is a Filipino politician and lawyer currently serving as a senator. He earned his law degree from Ateneo de Manila University and pursued further legal studies at the University of Michigan, the University of London, and Columbia Law School. He previously served as the mayor of Tagaytay City, chaired the MMDA from 2010 to 2015, and was elected senator in 2019, now holding key committee positions and serving as Senate Majority Leader. In 2024, he left the PDP due to disagreements over the West Philippine Sea issue and sponsored the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, which stirred diplomatic tensions with China.

In March of this year, the legislator shared his opinion about the recent arrest of the former president, Rodrigo Duterte. On March 13, a video of what seemed to be a one-on-one interview with Sen. Tolentino, he was asked what his stand about the arrest as a Filipino was. He said he was sad about the arrest, knowing that FPRRD was taken to a different country to be prosecuted and possibly be judged. The senator also pointed out the age and health condition of FPRRD.

Several years ago, the senator became controversial due to his proposal about adding another star on the Philippine Flag. Majority of the netizens are saying NO to the proposed fourth star on our National Flag. Senator-elect Francis Tolentino explains why he proposed this during the 121st Philippine Independence Day celebration.

Source: KAMI.com.gh