Malacañang stood firm on Wednesday, affirming that Filipinos who defend the nation’s maritime rights will not be silenced—this after China imposed a travel ban on former senator Francis Tolentino for his vocal stance on the West Philippine Sea.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro emphasized that China’s decision is theirs alone, but patriotic Filipinos will continue to speak up. “True Filipinos, those who stand for the Philippines, cannot be silenced or stopped from defending our maritime rights,” she said.
Asked if President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. would summon Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian over the issue, Castro said the President has not indicated any plans to do so.
China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the sanctions against Tolentino on July 1, citing “egregious conduct” concerning China-related matters. The former senator is now banned from entering China, Hong Kong, and Macao.
In response, Tolentino welcomed the move, calling it a “badge of honor” and a symbol of his unwavering commitment to defending the Philippines’ sovereignty. “No foreign power can silence me or weaken my resolve,” he declared.
Tolentino, during his Senate term, championed key maritime policies, including the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act—both aimed at reinforcing the country’s territorial claims and national security.