1at July 2025 – (Beijing) China has announced sanctions against former Philippine Senator Francis Tolentino, citing “egregious conduct related to China-related issues,” according to a statement from the country’s foreign ministry on Tuesday. This announcement came just one day after Tolentino’s term officially concluded. The statement released on Tuesday noted that certain anti-China politicians in the Philippines have engaged in a range of harmful rhetoric and actions regarding China-related issues, driven by their own selfish interests, which has undermined China’s interests and negatively affected China-Philippines relations. It emphasised that the Chinese government remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting its national sovereignty, security, and developmental interests.
The Philippine embassy in Beijing has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the sanctions.
In April 2025, Tolentino made headlines by revealing evidence linking the Chinese Embassy in the Philippines to the operation of troll farms within the country. During a hearing of the Senate Special Committee on Philippine Maritime and Admiralty Zones, which focused on issues of espionage and underwater drones, Tolentino presented a service agreement between Infinitus Marketing Solutions Inc. and the Chinese Embassy. The contract detailed the provision of “keyboard warriors” to enhance the effectiveness of an issue management project.
Tolentino emphasised that this revelation aligns with security sector reports on various hacking and espionage activities attributed to Chinese nationals. He described the recent recovery of drones and espionage incidents as “just the tip of the iceberg,” asserting that his findings expose the extensive nature of Chinese interference detrimental to the Philippines.
As part of his evidence, Tolentino displayed a cheque issued by the Chinese Embassy to Infinitus Marketing, amounting to Nine Hundred Thirty Thousand Pesos, as payment for the activities outlined in the service contract. “This proves that China itself is funding these operations,” he stated.
He further accused the troll farms of not only disseminating information and promoting Chinese government policies, but also conducting covert disinformation campaigns against the Philippine government and its citizens. “This contract undermines our national dignity,” he asserted, adding, “It is an affront to the Filipino people.”
National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya supported Tolentino’s claims, indicating they reflect the operational methods of the People’s Republic of China. An expert in international law, Tolentino has consistently championed the Philippines’ sovereignty and maritime rights, advocating for legislation such as Republic Act No. 12064, the Maritime Zones of the Philippines Act, and Republic Act No. 12065, the Archipelagic Sea Lanes Act.
