China bars Francis Tolentino from entering mainland, Hong Kong, Macao

China imposed sanctions against former senator Francis Tolentino by banning him from entering its mainland, Hong Kong, and Macao due to his alleged “egregious conduct” on China-related issues.

The Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson made the announcement a day after Tolentino’s term as Philippine senator ended.

The spokesperson stressed that the Chinese government will defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests despite remarks from so-called anti-China politicians from the Philippines.

“For quite some time, driven by selfish interests, 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 statement posted on Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website read.

“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,” it added.

Badge of honor

Tolentino, in return, acknowledged the sanctions imposed on him which he called a “badge of honor.”

“This sanction is a badge of honor and a testament to my unwavering commitment to protect our national interest and our people’s dignity,” the former lawmaker said.

“No foreign power can silence me or weaken my resolve to uphold our sovereignty. I am, and will always be, proud to be Filipino,” he added.

Tolentino sponsored in the Senate the Philippine Maritime Zones Act which is a declaration that Manila exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction over its internal waters, territorial sea archipelagic waters, and the airspace over it, including its seabed and subsoil. 

This is in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS and other existing laws and treaties.

This covers the contiguous zone of the Philippines, which refers to the waters beyond and adjacent to its territorial sea up to 24 nautical miles from the baselines. It further defines the exclusive economic zone, the continental shelf, and the extended continental shelf that form part of the Philippine territory. 

The law also underscored that the Philippines has the right and privilege over the high seas and the international seabed as stated in the UNCLOS and other existing laws and treaties.

In relation to this, all maritime scientific research in the maritime zones of the country shall contribute greatly to the benefit of Filipinos. 

Tolentino also said that Chinese spies are "embedded" in the country's bureaucracy.

He was also the principal sponsor of the proposed Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, which he said would help ensure the country's maritime domain, and strengthen territorial integrity and national security.

In April, Tolentino also floated the idea of kicking Chinese diplomats out of the Philippines amid the alleged interference of China in the country’s internal affairs. 

Summon Chinese envoy

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said it took note of the sanctions imposed by China on Tolentino.

However, it said that while the measures are "legally within China’s prerogative, they are not conducive to mutual efforts to restore mutual trust and improve bilateral relations." 

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada, meanwhile, expressed support for Tolentino, saying that his actions “were fully aligned with our democratic processes and legal frameworks.”

Estrada thus urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to summon Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian to explain the sanctions which he called unjust. 

“For years, despite the Arbitral Ruling that favored our claims over portions of the West Philippine Sea, China has continued to bully, harass, and subject our maritime scientists, personnel, and fisherfolk to inhumane and provocative actions,” Estrada said. 

"It is appalling that efforts to defend our territorial claims are now being branded as ‘egregious conduct.’ China should be ashamed,” he added.  — with JP Soriano/AOL/RSJ, GMA Integrated News