MANILA – China has imposed sanctions on a former Philippine senator, barring him from entering Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday.
In a statement on its official website, the Foreign Ministry Spokesperson confirmed the imposing of sanctions to former senator Francis Tolentino, citing “his egregious conduct on China-related issues.”
The ministry also mentioned that a “handful” of anti-China politicians have made malicious remarks and moves on issues related to China, which they believed are detrimental to China’s interests and China-Philippines relations.
“The Chinese government is firmly resolved to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests,” the statement read.
Sanctions a “badge of honour” – Tolentino
In a statement released by the former senator, Tolentino acknowledged the sanctions imposed on him by China, calling it a “badge of honour”.
“I acknowledge the sanctions imposed on me by China for defending the rights, dignity, and sovereignty of the Filipino in the West Philippine Sea,” Tolentino posted on his Facebook page on Tuesday.
Tolentino further stated that the sanctions were imposed against him for fighting “for what rightfully belongs to our nation.”
He also affirmed his support for the Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and the fishermen who depend on waters in the West Philippine Sea for their livelihood.
“This sanction is a badge of honour and a testament to my unwavering commitment to protect our national interest and our people’s dignity,” the statement read.
According to Tolentino, no foreign power can silence or weaken his resolve to uphold the country’s sovereignty, and will always be proud to be a Filipino.
The former senator principally authored two landmark measures: the Maritime Zones Law, which sets the limits of the country’s exclusive economic zone; while the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act categorically identifies the sea lanes which foreign ships and aircraft may only pass through.
During his tenure, Tolentino led the Senate’s special panel on maritime and admiralty zones.
Sanctions not conducive to “mutual trust”, “improve bilateral relations” – DFA
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has noted the measure imposed by China on Senator Tolentino, though it did not mention the former lawmaker’s name in its statement released on Tuesday.
The DFA also acknowledged that such measures are within China’s legal prerogative, but insisted that they are not conducive to promote bilateral relations between the two countries.
“The Department has noted the measures imposed by China on a Filipino national. While these measures are legally within China’s prerogative, they are not conducive to mutual efforts to restore mutual trust and improve bilateral relations,” the statement read.
