MANILA — The Philippine government has summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to protest Beijing’s imposition of a travel ban against former senator Francis Tolentino — a move it denounced as “inconsistent with the norms of mutual respect” between sovereign nations.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) issued the diplomatic summons in response to China’s announcement that it had barred Tolentino from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao over what it described as “egregious conduct” related to China-Philippines issues.
Reading the statement of DFA Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro during a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said: “Such action is inconsistent with the norms of mutual respect and dialogue that underpin relations between two equal sovereign states.”
The Chinese government accused a “handful of anti-China politicians in the Philippines” of making “malicious remarks and moves” that harm China’s interests and bilateral ties.
“For quite some time, driven by selfish interests, 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,” China stated on its official website.
It added: “The Chinese government is firmly resolved to defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests.”
The ban was made public shortly after Tolentino’s term as senator ended. During his time in office, he was a vocal critic of China’s incursions into the West Philippine Sea and a staunch advocate of upholding Philippine maritime rights and boosting defense cooperation with allies.
In a statement, Tolentino described the sanction as a “badge of honor” for defending Filipino sovereignty.
“No foreign power can silence me or weaken my resolve to uphold our sovereignty,” he said./PN
