Tolentino leaves PDP, cites differences on preferred West Philippine Sea policy | ABS-CBN
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Tolentino leaves PDP, cites differences on preferred West Philippine Sea policy
Tolentino leaves PDP, cites differences on preferred West Philippine Sea policy
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Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino visits Masinloc, Zambales on June 17, 2024 to talk to fishermen and residents affected by China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea. Victoria Tulad, ABS-CBN News
Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino visits Masinloc, Zambales on June 17, 2024 to talk to fishermen and residents affected by China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea. Victoria Tulad, ABS-CBN News
MANILA (UPDATED) — Sen. Francis Tolentino has resigned from the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino, where he was vice president, after party president Sen. Robinhood Padilla advised him to so he could supposedly focus on his tasks as the Senate’s majority floor leader.
MANILA (UPDATED) — Sen. Francis Tolentino has resigned from the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino, where he was vice president, after party president Sen. Robinhood Padilla advised him to so he could supposedly focus on his tasks as the Senate’s majority floor leader.
In a press conference, Tolentino said he left PDP because of differences with the party's foreign policy direction, particularly in the country’s approach to the West Philippine Sea dispute with China.
In a press conference, Tolentino said he left PDP because of differences with the party's foreign policy direction, particularly in the country’s approach to the West Philippine Sea dispute with China.
In his letter to Padilla, Tolentino said he believes in upholding the 2016 Hague Arbitral ruling as well as strengthening the Philippines’ alliances with “supporters of a rules-based international order.”
In his letter to Padilla, Tolentino said he believes in upholding the 2016 Hague Arbitral ruling as well as strengthening the Philippines’ alliances with “supporters of a rules-based international order.”
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PDP PREFERS BILATERAL TALKS WITH BEIJING
PDP, however, allegedly wants to limit the talks to a bilateral approach or just between the Philippines and China.
PDP, however, allegedly wants to limit the talks to a bilateral approach or just between the Philippines and China.
During the Duterte administration, the then ruling party entered into a partnership agreement with the Communist Party of China as part of the government’s independent foreign policy.
During the Duterte administration, the then ruling party entered into a partnership agreement with the Communist Party of China as part of the government’s independent foreign policy.
It also signed a similar agreement with the ruling United Russia party of the Russian Federation.
It also signed a similar agreement with the ruling United Russia party of the Russian Federation.
Tolentino said in his letter that PDP’s preference for bilateral dialogue with China “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 in his letter that PDP’s preference for bilateral dialogue with China “while having merit, may not fully align with the principles established by the Arbitral Ruling and might weaken our position in the international arena.”
The Marcos Jr. administration has maintained bilateral mechanisms with Beijing while also increasing engagement with the United States and other security partners as well as other claimants in the South China Sea.
The Marcos Jr. administration has maintained bilateral mechanisms with Beijing while also increasing engagement with the United States and other security partners as well as other claimants in the South China Sea.
Tolentino said that PDP’s preferred “approach might not adequately protect the rights and livelihoods of our fishermen, the bravery of our soldiers, and acknowledge the critical role of our international allies.”
Tolentino said that PDP’s preferred “approach might not adequately protect the rights and livelihoods of our fishermen, the bravery of our soldiers, and acknowledge the critical role of our international allies.”
He added: “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.”
He added: “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.”
NO PARTY FOR NOW
Tolentino's departure from PDP leaves the party with just three seats at the 24-member Senate. Senate Minority Leader Aqulino "Koko" Pimentel III, a party original from when it was known as PDP-Laban, belongs to a separate wing that he says is the legitimate one.
Tolentino's departure from PDP leaves the party with just three seats at the 24-member Senate. Senate Minority Leader Aqulino "Koko" Pimentel III, a party original from when it was known as PDP-Laban, belongs to a separate wing that he says is the legitimate one.
Tolentino said he believes his departure will pave the way for PDP to be “more cohesive and unified” in its position on the West Philippine Sea.
Tolentino said he believes his departure will pave the way for PDP to be “more cohesive and unified” in its position on the West Philippine Sea.
He said he was able to talk to former President Rodrigo Duterte, PDP chairman, even before Padilla advised him to resign, and that he had been told to do what he thinks is right.
He said he was able to talk to former President Rodrigo Duterte, PDP chairman, even before Padilla advised him to resign, and that he had been told to do what he thinks is right.
Tolentino has no political party for now.
Tolentino has no political party for now.
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