Malacanang announced that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian over China’s imposition of ban against former senator Francis Tolentino.

In a statement, Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, she stated that the ”punitive” measure of China was inconsistent with the norms of mutual respect and dialogue ”that underpin relations between two equal sovereign states.”

Lazaro issued a statement, following the decision of the Chinese government to ban former Senator Francis Tolentino from entering China’s territory including Hong Kong and Macau due to his alleged “egregious conduct” on China-related issues. Including asserting the Philippines’ sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea.

”The Department reminded the Ambassador that as a democracy, the Philippines values freedom of expression. In the Philippines’ adherence to the constitutional separation of powers among the three branches of government, it is the mandate of senators and other elected officials to inquire on the matter of national and public interests,” Castro read.

Ambassador Huang Xilian was summoned last Friday, July 4.

The DFA remains committed to addressing differences through diplomacy and dialogue. It also looks forward to continued constructive engagement with China in order to promote mutual understanding. 

To recall, the Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson made the announcement a day after Tolentino’s term as Philippine senator ended.

The spokesperson stressed that the Chinese government would defend national sovereignty, security, and development interests despite remarks from so-called anti-China politicians from the Philippines. 

Tolentino had acknowledged the sanctions imposed on him, which he called a “badge of honor.”

“This sanction is a badge of honor and a testament to my unwavering commitment to protect our national interest and our people’s dignity,” the former senator said in an earlier statement.

“No foreign power can silence me or weaken my resolve to uphold our sovereignty. I am, and will always be, proud to be Filipino,” he added.

Tolentino sponsored the Philippine Maritime Zones Act, which is a declaration that Manila exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction over its internal waters, territorial sea archipelagic waters, and the airspace over it, including its seabed and subsoil. 

He was also the principal sponsor of the proposed Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act, which he said would help ensure the country’s maritime domain, and strengthen territorial integrity and national security.