Chinese envoy summoned over sanctions on ex-senator Tolentino

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian. (File Photo: Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian/Facebook)

By Darryl John Esguerra, Joyce Ann L. Rocamora, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to formally express the Philippine government’s concern over Beijing’s decision to sanction former senator Francis Tolentino.

This came after China barred Tolentino from entering its mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau, citing his “egregious conduct on China-related issues”, particularly the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

In a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro read a statement signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, saying the Philippines took exception to China’s move.

“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 statement read.

The Philippines, as a democratic country, upholds the principle of free speech and legislative independence, according to the DFA.

“The Department reminded the Ambassador that as a democracy, the Philippines values freedom of expression,” the agency said.

“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.”

The DFA reiterated that the Philippines remains committed to the peaceful resolution of differences through established diplomatic channels.

“The Department remains committed to addressing differences through diplomacy and dialogue, and looks forward to continued constructive engagement with China to promote mutual understanding,” it said.

In a message to reporters, the DFA said the Chinese diplomat was summoned on July 4.

China is asserting its sovereignty over almost the entire South China Sea, a vast and resource-rich body of water that overlaps with the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines and other Southeast Asian countries.

A 2016 ruling of an international arbitral tribunal voided Beijing’s sweeping claims as having no basis in international law, a decision China vehemently rejects as it continues its illegal operations in the disputed areas.

Tolentino, whose term as a senator officially ended on June 30, called the sanctions a “badge of honor”.

“No foreign power can silence me or weaken my resolve to uphold our sovereignty,” he said.