China Bans Tolentino Over South China Sea Stance

Image courtesy of former Senator Francis Tolentino’s Facebook page.

China Bans Tolentino Over South China Sea Stance

By Wilma N Yamzon – Thenationweek.com  

July 2, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – China has imposed a travel ban on former senator Francis Tolentino for being vocal about the Philippines’ rights in the contested West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Tolentino was barred from entering mainland China, Macau, and Hong Kong.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry announced the sanctions Tuesday as it accused a “handful of anti-China politicians” in the Philippines of undermining bilateral relations through “malicious remarks and moves” against China.

The ministry described Tolentino’s actions as “detrimental to China’s interests and China-Philippines relations.”

China is determined to “safeguard its national sovereignty and development interests,” according to the ministry’s statement.

Tolentino had previously chaired the Philippine Senate’s special panel on maritime and admiralty zones.

During his time in the Senate, he spearheaded key legislation, including the Maritime Zones Law and the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.

These laws define the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone and establish designated sea lanes for foreign vessels, bolstering the country’s legal position following the 2016 Arbitral Tribunal ruling that invalidated China’s expansive claims in the South China Sea.

Tolentino has embraced the ban as a “badge of honor.”

“I recognize the sanctions imposed on me by China, which came after I defended the rights, dignity, and sovereignty of the Filipino people in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

“I stand firmly with the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, and our brave fishermen who depend on these waters for their livelihood.”

The sanction, he added, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to protect national interests and the Filipinos’ dignity.

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