SENATE President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada on Tuesday slammed China’s imposition of sanctions on former Senator Francis Tolentino, calling the move “unjust” and an attack on the Philippines’ sovereign legislative processes.
Estrada questioned Beijing’s rationale for barring Tolentino from entering mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macao, saying: “Since when has crafting legislation that asserts our sovereign rights been considered egregious conduct?”
Tolentino, who previously chaired the Senate Special Committee on Maritime and Admiralty Zones, authored two key maritime bills—the Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act—which were both signed into law with full support from Congress and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“His actions were fully aligned with our democratic processes and legal frameworks,” Estrada said in a statement, defending his former colleague.
The senator also condemned China’s long-standing aggression in the West Philippine Sea, noting how Beijing has continued to harass Filipino fisherfolk, scientists, and maritime personnel despite the 2016 Arbitral Ruling favoring the Philippines.
“It is appalling that efforts to defend our territorial claims are now being branded as ‘egregious conduct.’ China should be ashamed,” he added.
Estrada called on the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to summon Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to explain the sanctions and formally relay the Philippine government’s “strong displeasure” over the matter.
He warned that such actions threaten regional stability and mutual respect: “Will they now impose the same sanctions on our President for signing these laws?”
“Critical voices are not threats to diplomacy; they are expressions of patriotic duty,” Estrada emphasized.
The Chinese foreign ministry on July 1 confirmed the sanctions against Tolentino, accusing him and other so-called “anti-China politicians” in the Philippines of making malicious moves that harm China-Philippine relations. Beijing insisted it is “firmly resolved” to protect its sovereignty and national interests.
In response, Tolentino said he considers the sanction a “badge of honor” for standing up for Filipino rights in the West Philippine Sea.