Banned from traveling to China and other Chinese territories for his alleged “egregious conduct”, former Senator Francis Tolentino remained unfazed by the Chinese government decision, saying that the sanctions is his “badge of honor.”

In a statement on Tuesday (July 1), the Chinese Foreign Ministry announced that its government had imposed sanctions against Tolentino due to his alleged “egregious conduct” in connection with the China-Philipppines relations.

The Chinese government accused the former senator of allegedly making malicious statements and actions that had harmed bilateral relations between the two countries.

“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,” the foreign ministry spokesman said.

The sanctions were announced a day after Tolentino served his last day as elected senator of the Philippines.

An outspoken critic of China’s continued bullying tactics in the West Philippine sea against Filipinos, Tolentino readily admitted knowledge of the China-imposed penalties.

“I acknowledge the sanctions imposed on me by China for defending the rights, dignity and sovereignty of the Filipino people in the West Philippine Sea. I have fought - and will continue to fight - for what rightfully belongs to our nation,” he said in a statement.

He described the sanctions as a “badge of honor” that reflected his loyalty to his country.

“No foreign power can silence me or weaken my resolve to uphold our sovereignty. I am, and will always be, proud to be a Filipino,” Tolentino stated, clearly unfazed by what many believed as another bullying act of the Chinese government.