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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider China sanctions Tolentino over SCS claims, bars him from entering its territories

China sanctions Tolentino over SCS claims, bars him from entering its territories

Published Jul 1, 2025 01:52 pm
Former senator Francis Tolentino will not be allowed to enter mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao after the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday, July 1, that they will be imposing sanctions on the former official for his “egregious conduct on China-related issues.”

Former senator Francis Tolentino (Senate PRIB Photo)
Former senator Francis Tolentino (Senate PRIB Photo)
The announcement from China came just a day after Tolentino ended his term as he failed to secure a fresh senatorial term during the 2025 polls.

“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,” the foreign ministry said.

It cited that China “is firmly resolved to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests.”

The ministry also called out “a handful of anti-China politicians in the Philippines” who have made “malicious remarks and moves on issues related to China that are detrimental to China’s interests and China-Philippines relations” because they are “driven by selfish interests.”

Tolentino was the chairperson of the Senate’s Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones. He also ran under the coalition of President Marcos, who had taken a tough stance against China’s aggressive actions in the Philippine-claimed parts of the contested South China Sea.

As chair of the special committee, he supported the passage of the Philippine Maritime Zones and Archipelagic Sealanes Acts, which codify the 2016 arbitral win that upheld Manila’s sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea.

During the 2025 midterm campaign, Tolentino alleged that China was meddling in the elections and the Chinese Embassy in Manila had contracted a local marketing firm to propagate pro-Beijing messages on social media.

He also accused Beijing and its Manila embassy of trying to undermine the Marcos administration, and cited alleged espionage activities that law enforcement earlier flagged to have Chinese links.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), in a separate statement also on Tuesday, took note of the sanctions imposed on Tolentino, a Filipino national.”

However, it also lamented how China’s action does not contribute to improving bilateral relations.

“While these measures are legally within China’s prerogative, they are not conducive to mutual efforts to restore mutual trust and improve bilateral relations,” the DFA said.

Related Tags

Francis Tolentino South China Sea Chinese Foreign Ministry sanction
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