The President has not yet decided whether to summon Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian or other Chinese officials regarding the sanctions that Beijing has imposed on former Senator Francis Tolentino, banning him from entering Chinese territories, including mainland China, Macao, and Hong Kong, citing his “egregious conduct” on issues related to China and the West Philippine Sea.

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

Earlier, Chinese 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 that it is the job of the Department of Foreign Affairs to determine 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 in 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.

Former lawmaker Tolentino hit the sanction as a “badge of honor” and a testament to his unwavering commitment to protect the national interest and Filipinos’ 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.”

Complementing Castro’s comment, Tolentino maintained that no foreign power can silence or weaken his resolve to uphold Philippine sovereignty.