Foreign Ministry of China announced sanctions imposed against former Senator Francis Tolentino for his “egregious conduct on China-related issues,” identifying as anti-China politician in the Philippines.”

Beijing’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said sanctions against Tolentino include barring his entry to Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Macao.

“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,” Jiakun said.

Jiakun did not specified Tolentino’s particular actions that prompted the issuance of a sanction, but the former senator has accused Beijing of espionage activities, harassment of Filipino fishermen, and many others.

Tolentino also authored the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act in a bid to bolster the country’s claims in the West Philippine Sea.

For his part, Tolentino acknowledged China’s sanctions, but stood firm that his actions were “for defending the rights, dignity, and sovereignty of the Filipino people in the West Philippine Sea.”

He said China’s sanction was 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. No foreign power can silence me or weaken my resolve to uphold our sovereignty,” Tolentino said.