Malacañang on Wednesday said it respects China’s decision to bar former Senator Francis Tolentino from entering the country, but emphasized that no Filipino will be silenced in defending the nation’s sovereignty and maritime rights. “Whatever reason China had for banning Senator Tolentino, it is their decision,” said Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro during a Palace press briefing. While Castro did not speculate on Beijing’s reasons, she underscored that the move would not deter patriotic Filipinos from standing up for the country’s territorial integrity.

Dantes, C. (2025, July 3). PH will not be silenced by China sanctions in defense of WPS rights. Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.