DFA summons China envoy over Tolentino travel ban

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to protest China's imposition of a travel ban on former senator Francis Tolentino.

The DFA stated that while China has the legal prerogative to impose sanctions, punitive measures against democratically elected officials for their official acts are inconsistent with mutual respect between sovereign states.

The Department reminded the Ambassador that the mandate of senators and other elected officials is to inquire on matters of national and public interests.

China's Embassy to the Philippines stated that Beijing's sanctions against Tolentino were within its "legal prerogative" and that "there are consequences for hurting China's interests."

The embassy further claimed Tolentino's "malicious smear against China and instigation of confrontation will only backfire, and ultimately harm the interest of the Philippines and Filipino people."

Tolentino, who was banned from entering mainland China, Macao, and Hong Kong due to his alleged "egregious conduct on China-related issues," called the sanction a "badge of honor" and stated his actions were "for defending the rights, dignity, and sovereignty of the Filipino people in the West Philippine Sea."

The DFA reiterated its commitment to addressing differences through diplomacy and dialogue.