The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has summoned Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xillian following Beijing’s imposition of sanctions against former Philippine senator Francis Tolentino.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DFA said it conveyed the Philippines’ stance on the imposition of sanctions against Tolentino, which includes banning him from entering mainland China, Macao, and Hong Kong.

“The DFA conveyed to the Chinese side that, while the imposition of such sanctions falls within China’s legal prerogative, the imposition of punitive measures against democratically elected officials for their official acts is inconsistent with the norms of mutual respect and dialogue that underpin relations between two equal sovereign states,” it said.

“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 matters of national and public interests,” it added.

The DFA reiterated that the Philippines remains committed to “addressing differences through diplomacy and dialogue, and looks forward to continued constructive engagement with China to promote mutual understanding.”

Earlier this month, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced the imposition of sanctions against Tolentino, citing his alleged egregious conduct in connection with “China-related issues.”

According to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, 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 Chinese government is firmly resolved to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests,” he said.

He added: “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."

For his part, Tolentino said China’s sanction is a “sanction is a badge of honor and a testament to my unwavering commitment to protect our national interest and our people's 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,” he 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 chaired the Senate Special Committee on Admiralty and Maritime Zones and authored both the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.

During a committee investigation into submersible drones found in Philippine waters in May, Tolentino revealed that the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines tapped Infinitus Marketing Solutions Inc. to employ “keyboard warriors” to “deliberately spread information to promote the Chinese government’s policies.”

His hearings also revealed allegations of Chinese interference in the Philippines’ midterm elections.