MANILA – Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has resigned from the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) due to “significant differences” on the party’s foreign policy stand on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
In a letter to PDP president Sen. Robin Padilla, Tolentino made known his decision to “disengage from PDP activities” and he will “pursue a path, from now, as an independent legislator, effective immediately.”
“This decision comes after a careful consideration and is due to significant differences in our foreign policy directions, particularly regarding the West Philippine Sea,” Tolentino said.
“Given this fundamental divergence, I feel it necessary for both myself and the Party to take this step. This will allow a more cohesive and unified approach within the Party on this critical issue…I trust that this decision will support the Party in developing a more focused and effective strategy,” he added.
The senator also stated in his letter the importance of upholding the 2016 Arbitral Ruling, saying this is “crucial to our territorial integrity.”
“The Party’s inclination on bilateral dialogue concerning these matters, while having merit, may not fully align with the principles established by the Arbitral Ruling and might weaken our position in the international arena,” Tolentino said.
He also warned that this approach “might not adequately protect” the rights and livelihoods of Filipino fishermen, the bravery of our soldiers, and acknowledge the critical role of the Philippines’ international allies.
“A stronger, more resolute multilateral alliance with our historical allies and like-minded nations is crucial for effectively addressing challenges in the West Philippine Sea and ensuring regional stability,” stressed Tolentino.
PDP is chaired by former President Rodrigo Duterte, who earlier said the Philippines’ arbitral victory in 2016 against China’s massive claims in the West Philippine Sea before the United Nations is “just paper fit to be thrown in the trash.”
The Philippines won the case in a landmark award by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands in 2016. China, however, rejected the ruling./PN
