SENATE majority leader Francis Tolentino has resigned as member of the Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) due to what he described as “significant differences” on his and the party’s foreign policy direction, particularly on the West Philippine Sea (WPS) issue.
Tolentino said he submitted his quit letter to former PDP president Palawan Rep. Jose Alvarez even before Sen. Robin Padilla “demanded” his resignation from the party.
“So, bago pa man manawagan si Sen. Padilla, ako ay nagpadala ng liham noon kay Cong. Alvarez (I sent my resignation letter to Rep. Alvarez even before Sen. Padilla called for my resignation [last July 25]),” Tolentino said in a press conference.
Padilla, who is now the PDP president, has asked Tolentino to resign from the party so he can “focus” on his job as majority leader.
Tolentino said the reason for his resignation was due to his opposing stand with the party regarding the West Philippine Sea.
“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 said in his undated letter, a copy of which he furnished Padilla on Monday.
He also said: “This decision comes after careful consideration and is due to significant differences in our foreign policy directions, particularly regarding the West Philippine Sea.”
Tolentino said he is of the position that “the 2016 Hague 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 are essential for advancing our national interests and safeguarding our integrity.”
On the contrary, he noted the PDP’s “inclination” on holding a bilateral dialogue to resolve the issue, a position which he said “may not fully align with the principles established by the arbitral ruling and might weaken our position in the international arena.”
Tolentino said the party’s “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 stressed that “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.”
“Given this fundamental divergence, I feel it is necessary for both myself and the Party to take this step. This will allow for a more cohesive and unified approach within the Party on this critical issue. I am deeply grateful for the experience and service I have had with the PDP and remain committed to our nation’s progress and security,” he said.
“I trust that this decision will support the Pary in developing a more focused and effective strategy,” he added.
In the press conference, Tolentino said he talked with former president Rodrigo Duterte regarding his decision to resign as party member days before Padilla formally assumed the party presidency.
Duterte is the national chairman of PDP.
“Naunawaan niya ang aking posisyon, at hindi kami naghiwalay. Itinuturing ko siyang isang matalik na kaibigan at ang pagkakaibigan namin ay malalim. Nauunawaan niya na ang aking pag-alis sa PDP ay hindi dahil sa pansariling kapakanan. Nauunawaan niya na ito’y base sa prinsipyo
(He understands my position, and we are not parting ways. I consider him as my best friend, and we have a deep friendship. He understands that my resignation from PDP is not due to personal gains. He understands that this is based on my principles),” Tolentino said.
Tolentino said that his friendship with PDP members in the Senate — Senators Padilla, Ronald dela Rosa, and Christopher Go — will remain intact.
“So, we’ll remain as friends, we’ll remain as colleagues. And as their majority leader, I will continue likewise to facilitate their legislative measures,” he said.
Padilla formally assumed the top PDP post last July 24. The next day, he urged Tolentino to resign as the party’s vice president for Luzon and party member so he can focus on his new task as Senate majority leader.
