Manila, July 8 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to formally express the Philippine government's concern over Beijing's decision to sanction former senator Francis Tolentino.

This came after China barred Tolentino from entering its mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau, citing his "egregious conduct on China-related issues", particularly the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

In a Palace briefing on Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro read a statement signed by Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro, saying the Philippines took exception to China's move.

"The DFA conveyed to the Chinese side that, while the imposition of such sanctions falls within China's legal ...