Tolentino quits PDP over West Philippine Sea

MANILA, Philippines — Citing conflicting positions on issues particularly on the West Philippine Sea, Sen. Francis Tolentino has resigned from the Partido ng Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP), the political party of former president Rodrigo Duterte, who is widely acknowledged as a staunch supporter of Beijing.

In a letter to Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez, former president of the PDP, Tolentino said he resigned from the party because his beliefs are contrary to what the PDP is fighting for, especially on the issue of the WPS.

Tolentino provided new PDP president Sen. Robinhood Padilla a copy of his letter to Alvarez.

Tolentino said the PDP wants a bilateral approach to resolving the issue with China on the West Philippine Sea, as against his belief that a multilateral approach involving other countries is best.

“I am writing to formally inform you of my decision to disengage from PDP party activities and pursue a path, for now, as an independent legislator, effective immediately,” he said.

“This decision comes after careful consideration and is due to significant differences in our foreign policy directions, particularly regarding the WPS,” he added.

Tolentino resigned from the party after Padilla asked him to resign as party vice president for Luzon and party member so he could attend to his other duties as the new Senate majority leader.

Even before Padilla’s call for his resignation, Tolentino said he had already spoken with Duterte, who expressed no ill feelings at the new Senate majority leader’s decision.

“He (Duterte) understands that my departure from the PDP is not selfish but for principle. I repeat I am not separating from Tatay Digong. I also believe that the ICC (International Criminal Court) should not be allowed to enter here to prosecute president Duterte. I believe that the ICC has no jurisdiction in the Philippines and that there is a functioning justice system in the Philippines. Our bond and friendship run deep. We are not separating and I will continue to support him,” Tolentino told Senate reporters.

In his letter to Alvarez, Tolentino said the 2016 arbitral ruling is “crucial to our territorial integrity.”

“I believe that upholding this ruling and strengthening our alliances with supporters of a rules-based international order is essential for advancing our national interests and safeguarding our sovereignty,” he said.

“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 in his letter. “This 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 pointed out.

He said that in light of such “fundamental divergence,” he felt he had to leave the party.