Manila, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has summoned Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian following China’s imposition of sanctions on former Senator Francis Tolentino.
The DFA said that while it understands that it is within Beijing’s legal prerogative to impose sanctions, it is still against the democratically elected officials for their official acts.
The DFA added that this is also inconsistent with the belief in mutual respect and dialogue that underpin relations between two equal sovereign states: “The DFA conveyed to the Chinese side that, while the imposition of such sanctions falls within China’s legal prerogative, the imposition of punitive measures against democratically elected officials for their official acts is inconsistent with the norms of mutual respect and dialogue that underpin relations between two equal sovereign states.”
The DFA also reminded the Chinese Envoy that the Philippines is a democratic country, with freedom of expression.
The mandate of all branches of government is separate from that of senators and elected officials to take measures to safeguard national interests and the public.
“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 matters of national and public interests,” DFA emphasized.
Last week, the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that it had imposed sanctions on Tolentino for his alleged unusual stance on issues related to China.
Malacañang Palace confirmed that the DFA has summoned the Chinese official, in connection with the issue.
Tolentino served as Chairperson of the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones, and has continued to stand up against China’s aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea.
This included the passage of the Philippine Maritime Zones and Archipelagic Sealanes Act, and boldly exposing to the Senate the alleged interference of China in the 2025 midterm elections. – Alvin Pelobello, Eurotv News