President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not yet decided on a response to China’s imposition of sanctions on former Senator Francis Tolentino — whether to summon Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian or other Chinese officials.

China has barred Tolentino from entering Chinese territories — mainland China, Macao, and Hong Kong — citing his “egregious conduct” on issues related to China and the West Philippine Sea.

“For now, no instructions yet from the President regarding the matter,” said Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro during a Palace briefing on Wednesday.

Earlier, China Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said a handful of “anti-China politicians, including Tolentino, have made malicious remarks and moves on issues related to China that are detrimental to China’s interests and China-Philippines relations.”

Castro, however, maintained it was the Department of Foreign Affairs that should decide how to respond to the sanctions.

“But whatever decision China makes, it’s their decision. But as Filipinos, who are pro-Philippines, China can’t just silence everyone defending our rights and our maritime rights. The President said we will not yield even an inch of our territory to a foreign power,” Castro said.

Tolentino described the sanctions as a “badge of honor” and a testament to his unwavering commitment to defending the national interest and Filipino dignity.

“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,” Tolentino 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,” he added.

Tolentino stressed that no foreign power could silence or weaken his resolve to uphold the country’s sovereignty.