Tolentino resigns from PDP due to 'differences' on WPS stand

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has resigned from PDP, citing "significant differences" on the party's foreign policy stand on the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

Tolentino wrote PDP President and Senator Robin Padilla in response to the latter's request for him to leave the party to prevent any conflict of interest as regards political issues.

In his letter to Padilla dated August 5, Tolentino attached his letter sent to former PDP President Palawan 2nd District Rep. Jose Chaves Alvarez informing the latter of 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 wrote.

"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.

Tolentino highlighted 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 explained 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," he said.

PDP is chaired by former President Rodrigo Duterte, who earlier said that 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.

In 2013, the Philippines challenged China’s legal basis for its expansive claim before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, and won the case in a landmark award in 2016 after the tribunal invalidated Beijing’s assertions.

China rejected the ruling, saying its claims have historical basis and are “indisputable.” — RSJ, GMA Integrated News