Photo credit: Senate PH

Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino has resigned as an official and member of the PDP-LABAN party. Tolentino announced his departure citing irreconcilable differences with the party's stance on the West Philippine Sea issue.

In his resignation letter addressed to PDP-LABAN President Senator Robin Padilla and former President Representative Jose Alvarez, Tolentino explained his decision. He emphasized the importance of the 2016 Hague Arbitral ruling, which affirmed the Philippines' territorial claims in the West Philippine Sea. Tolentino expressed his belief that the ruling is essential for protecting the nation's sovereignty and the livelihoods of Filipino fishermen.

Tolentino criticized the party's preference for bilateral dialogues, arguing that this approach might weaken the country's position in the international arena. He advocated for a stronger multilateral alliance with historical allies and like-minded nations to ensure regional stability and effectively address challenges in the disputed waters.

"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," Tolentino wrote. "This decision comes after careful consideration and is due to significant differences in our foreign policy directions, particularly regarding the West Philippine Sea."