China’s ban on ex-Philippine senator won’t halt Manila’s South China Sea stance: experts

Beijing’s travel ban on Francis Tolentino, imposed after his term, is seen as symbolic and won’t deter Filipino lawmakers from asserting sovereignty in the South China Sea

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Philippine Senator Francis Tolentino speaks after taking oath as jurors in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte on June 10. Photo: Senate Social Media Unit/AP

Published: 7:26pm, 2 Jul 2025Updated: 7:45pm, 2 Jul 2025

China’s decision to bar former Philippine senator Francis Tolentino from entering its territories is unlikely to deter lawmakers in Manila from pursuing legislation that Beijing might oppose, according to analysts and current legislators.

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”.

“For quite some time, driven by selfish interests, a handful of anti-China politicians in the Philippines have made malicious remarks and moves on issues related to China that are detrimental to China’s interests and China-Philippines relations,” ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said in a brief statement.

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”.

Observers noted that Beijing waited until Tolentino was out of office before taking action.