‘This sanction is a badge of honor,’ Francis Tolentino said.
The Chinese regime sanctioned a former Filipino senator on July 1 over alleged “egregious conduct” regarding China-related issues, a decision that has drawn condemnation from officials in Manila.
Francis Tolentino, who served as the Senate majority leader before losing his bid for a second term in the May midterm elections, is known for defending his country’s claims in the South China Sea. He authored two bills aimed at strengthening Manila’s maritime sovereignty and establishing sea lanes for passing foreign vessels. The Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act were signed into law in November last year.
The inclusion of the 2016 Arbitral Ruling in the Philippine Martime Law by the PH is not only legitimate but imperative. pic.twitter.com/H5GXh9rID3
— Francis Tolentino (@SenTolentino) March 6, 2024
China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas that the Philippines refers to as the West Philippine Sea. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that Beijing’s sweeping maritime claims have no basis in international law.
The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has rejected the ruling and continued to assert its territorial claims through aggressive actions, drawing international condemnation.
Under the sanction, Tolentino is banned from entering China, including Macau and Hong Kong, according to China’s foreign ministry.
“A handful of anti-China politicians in the Philippines have made malicious remarks and moves on issues related to China that are detrimental to China’s interests and China–Philippines relations,” the ministry said, without providing a specific example.
In response, Tolentino released a statement on social media platform X, calling the sanction “a badge of honor.”
— Francis Tolentino (@SenTolentino) July 1, 2025
“I acknowledge the sanctions imposed on me by China for defending the rights, dignity, and sovereignty of the Filipino people in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.
“I have fought—and will continue to fight—for what rightfully belongs to our nation. I stand firmly with the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, and our brave fishermen who depend on these waters for their livelihood.
“No foreign power can silence me or weaken my resolve to uphold our sovereignty.”
Philippine Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press briefing on July 2 that every Filipino who stands up for the country will not be silenced, according to the Philippine News Agency.
“We will not yield even an inch of our territory to a foreign power,” Castro added, as cited by the outlet.
By Frank Fang
