DFA summons Chinese envoy over ban on Tolentino

The Department of Foreign Affairs has summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian over China's imposition of ban against former senator Francis Tolentino, who has been vocal on asserting the Philippines' sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

This was disclosed by Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro on Tuesday's briefing. 

Castro read a statement of Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, stating that the ''punitive'' measure of China was inconsistent with the norms of mutual respect and dialogue ''that underpin relations between two equal sovereign states.''

''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,'' Castro read.

The envoy was summoned last Friday, July 4.

The DFA remains committed to addressing differences through diplomacy and dialogue. It also looks forward to continued constructive engagement with China in order to promote mutual understanding. 

To recall, China imposed sanctions against 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 would defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests despite remarks from so-called anti-China politicians from the Philippines. 

Within its 'prerogative'

On Tuesday, the Chinese Embassy in Manila insisted its right to sanction Tolentino despite protests from the Philippine government, saying its action is within its legal prerogative.

"The ambassador notified the DFA of the Philippines of China's decision to impose sanctions on former senator Francis Tolentino, and emphasized that 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," an embassy statement said.

It stressed that the Chinese government is "firmly resolved to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests."

Tolentino had 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 senator said in an earlier statement.

“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.

The embassy, however, warned that Tolentino's actions would have repercussions.

"Such sanctions fall purely within China's legal prerogative, and there are consequences for hurting China’s interests," the embassy said.

It warned that Tolentino's actions against China and "instigation of confrontation" will only "backfire, and ultimately harm the interest of the Philippines and Filipino people."

Tolentino sponsored 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. 

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. — with a report from Michaela del Callar/ RSJ/ VDV, GMA Integrated News