Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has formally resigned from Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) and will pursue a path as an "independent legislator" effective immediately.
In a letter addressed to Senator Robin Padilla, the newly-installed PDP president dated August 5, Tolentino referenced a separate letter to Padilla's predecessor, Palawan Rep. Jose “Pepito” Alvarez wherein he manifested his decision to "disengage" from PDP's party activities.
"This decision comes after careful consideration and is due to significant differences in our foreign policy directions, particularly regarding the West Philippine Sea (WPS)," he said in the letter to Alvarez.
This came less than two weeks after Padilla asked for Tolentino's resignation from PDP on July 25.
Tolentino stated that he discussed this decision with former president Rodrigo Duterte who understood his position. The senator reiterated this was not done in his self-interest and stressed that he was not detaching himself from "Tatay Digong".
Tolentino explained in his letter to Alvarez that the 2016 Hague Arbitral ruling is crucial for the country's integrity and that he believes that upholding this ruling and strengthening alliances with supporters of a rules-based international order is essential for "advancing our national interests and safeguarding our sovereignty".
"The Party's inclination on bilateral dialogue concerning these matters, while having merit, may not fully align with the principles established by the Arbitral Ruling and might weaken our position in the international arena," he said.
He mentioned that this approach might not adequately protect the rights and livelihoods "of our fishermen, the bravery of our soldiers, and acknowledge the critical role of our international allies."
Tolentino added that a "stronger, more resolute multilateral alliance with our historical allies and like-minded nations is crucial for effectively addressing challenges in the WPS and ensuring regional stability."
"Given this fundamental divergence, I feel it is necessary for both myself and the party to take this step," Tolentino said.
He added that this will allow for a more cohesive and unified approach within the party on this critical issue.
Tolentino expressed gratitude for the experiences and services he had with PDP and remains committed to the nation's progress and security and trusts that this this decision will support the party in developing a more focused and effective strategy.