The indefinite travel ban on Tolentino, a former Senate majority leader who lost his re-election bid in May, was announced by China’s foreign ministry on Tuesday, a day after his term formally ended. The ministry accused Tolentino of “egregious conduct on China-related issues”.
In response, Tolentino released a statement calling the sanction “a badge of honour” and “a testament to my unwavering commitment to protect our national interest and our people’s dignity.”
“No foreign power can silence me or weaken my resolve to uphold our sovereignty,” he added.
The Chinese embassy in Manila had earlier accused Tolentino of playing “the so-called China card to serve their political self-interests and boost their election prospects before the midterm elections. Such attempts are despicable and doomed to failure”.
