“Since when has crafting legislation that asserts our sovereign rights been considered egregious conduct?”

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada posed this question to the Chinese government as he it for imposing sanctions against former Sen. Francis Tolentino and banning him entry into mainland China, Macao and Hong Kong.

Tolentino used to head the Senate’s Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones.

“Former Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino was well within his mandate when he pursued—duly supported by his colleagues in Congress, myself included—two landmark measures that had the full backing of the President: the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act,” Estrada said in a statement.

“His actions were fully aligned with our democratic processes and legal frameworks,” the senator stressed.

Estrada pointed out that for years—despite the Arbitral Ruling that favored the Philippines’ claims over portions of the West Philippine Sea—China has continued to bully, harass, and subject our maritime scientists, personnel, and fisherfolk to inhumane and provocative actions.”

“It is appalling that efforts to defend our territorial claims are now being branded as ‘egregious conduct.’ China should be ashamed,” he said.

With this development, Estrada urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to summon China’s ambassador to the Philippines to explain this “unjust move.”

“I urge the DFA to summon Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian to explain this unjust move and to formally convey our government's strong displeasure over the imposition of sanctions,” the lawmaker said.

He further said China’s latest action, though within their prerogative, clearly undermines mutual respect and regional stability.

“Will they now impose the same sanctions on our President for signing into law Republic Act No. 120641, the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, and Republic Act No. 120651, the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act?” he asked.

“Critical voices are not threats to diplomacy; they are expressions of patriotic duty,” Estrada pointed out.

The Chinese foreign ministry had announced its sanction against Tolentino on Tuesday, July 1, saying a “handful of anti-China politicians” in Manila have made malicious remarks and moves on issues related to China and China-Philippine relations.

China also then proceeded to maintain that it is “firmly resolved to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests.”

In a statement, Tolentino said he considers China’s sanction as a “badge of honor” for defending Filipino rights in the West Philippine Sea.