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.

The DFA on Tuesday said it conveyed the Philippines’ stance after China barred Tolentino from entering the mainland, Macao and Hong Kong.

“The DFA conveyed to the Chinese side that, while the imposition of 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,” the DFA 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 its national sovereignty, security, and development interests,” he said.