The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to protest China’s travel ban on former senator Francis Tolentino, a vocal advocate for Philippine sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.
In a press briefing on Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro read a statement from Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, calling China’s sanction a “punitive” action that violates principles of mutual respect and dialogue between sovereign nations.
Lazaro emphasized that in a democratic country like the Philippines, elected officials have the constitutional mandate to speak on national interests, including foreign policy matters. “Freedom of expression is a core value,” she noted.
The Chinese envoy was officially summoned last Friday, July 4.
The DFA reaffirmed its commitment to resolving differences through diplomacy and maintaining open, constructive engagement with China.
China’s foreign ministry had earlier announced the ban on Tolentino from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, citing his alleged “egregious conduct” on issues related to China. The announcement came just after his Senate term ended.
Tolentino responded to the sanctions by calling them a “badge of honor,” reaffirming his dedication to defending Philippine sovereignty. As a senator, he had championed the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the proposed Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act—both aimed at securing the country’s maritime rights and national security.