China has imposed sanctions on former Philippine Senator Francis Tolentino, banning him from entering mainland China, Macao and Hong Kong, citing his “egregious conduct” on issues related to Beijing.
The announcement by the Chinese Foreign Ministry came Tuesday, a day after Tolentino’s Senate term concluded.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that 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,” Guo said.
“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,” he added.
In response, Tolentino called the sanction 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,” 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.”
“No foreign power can silence me or weaken my resolve to uphold our sovereignty. I am, and will always be, proud to be a Filipino,” he added.
Tolentino chaired the Senate Special Committee on Admiralty and Maritime Zones and authored the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.
During a committee investigation in May into submersible drones found in Philippine waters, he revealed that the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines allegedly hired Infinitus Marketing Solutions Inc. to employ “keyboard warriors” to “deliberately spread information to promote Chinese government’s policies.”
Alleged Chinese government interference in Philippine midterm elections was also discussed in one of his committee-led hearings.