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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider China's sanctions a 'badge of honor', Tolentino says

China's sanctions a 'badge of honor', Tolentino says

Published Jul 1, 2025 02:33 pm

At A Glance

  • Former senator Francis Tolentino called China's travel sanctions against him a "badge of honor," reaffirming his commitment to defending Philippine sovereignty.
Former senator Francis Tolentino (Senate PRIB photo)
Former senator Francis Tolentino (Senate PRIB photo)
Former senator Francis Tolentino considers China's sanctions against him a badge of honor and a testament to his unwavering commitment to protect our national interest and the Filipino people's dignity.
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.”
“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.
This came just after Tolentino ended his term in the 19th Congress.
Tolentino was the former chairperson of the Senate’s Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones.
“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. I have fought - and will continue to fight - for what rightfully belongs to our nation,” Tolentino said in a statement.
“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.
He stated that no foreign power can silence him or weaken his resolve to uphold the country's sovereignty.
“I am, and will always be, proud to be a Filipino,” he added.
In one of his final endeavors in the Senate, Tolentino revealed documents alleging that the People’s Republic of China has been financing troll farms operating in the Philippines through its embassy in Manila.
Tolentino disclosed this during the Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones hearing, wherein he said the campaign reportedly funded local troll farms to manipulate public discourse, attack Philippine policies, and undermine national sovereignty.
He also pushed for the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.

Related Tags

Francis Tolentino West Philippine Sea Philippine Navy Philippine Coast Guard China
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