Former senator Francis Tolentino is no longer allowed to travel to China, Hong Kong, and Macao. This punishment was imposed after he defended the country's rights in the West Philippine Sea.
According to a spokesperson for the Chinese foreign ministry, they called his support for the Philippine Maritime Zones Act "egregious conduct." China stressed that it will continue to protect its sovereignty, security, and interests even if there are politicians in the Philippines who oppose them.
For a long time, there have been some anti-China politicians in the country who have been making steps and statements that are detrimental to the relationship between the Philippines and China.
Tolentino said he accepts the sanctions against him because of his stand for the Filipino people. For him, the punishment imposed is a “badge of honor.”
