The Chinese regime sanctioned a former Filipino senator on July 1 over alleged “egregious conduct” regarding China-related issues, a decision that has drawn condemnation from officials in Manila.
Francis Tolentino, who served as the Senate majority leader before losing his bid for a second term in the May midterm elections, is known for defending his country’s claims in the South China Sea. He authored two bills aimed at strengthening Manila’s maritime sovereignty and establishing sea lanes for passing foreign vessels. The Philippine Maritime Zones Act and the Philippine Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act were signed into law in November 2024.
China claims nearly the entire South China Sea, including areas that the Philippines refers to as the West Philippine Sea. In 2016, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled that Beijing’s sweeping maritime claims have no basis in international law….
China Sanctions Former Filipino Lawmaker Over South China Sea Dispute
