Nagbitiw na si Senate Majority Floor Leader Francis Tolentino bilang opisyal at miyembro ng Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) ngayong Lunes, Agosto 5, matapos siyang abisuhan ng bagong party president na si Senador Robin Padilla na gawin ito.

Sa ipinadalang sulat ni Tolentino, nagbitiw siya sa PDP dahil umano sa pagkakaiba nila sa kanilang “foreign policy directions,” partikular na raw sa West Philippine Sea (WPS).

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

“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 sovereignty.

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“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. 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. 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,” nakasaad din sa sulat.

Matatandaang noong Hulyo 25, 2024 nang imungkahi ni Padilla kay Tolentino na magbitiw na ito bilang party vice president for Luzon at miyembro ng kanilang partido.

Giit ni Padilla, mas makabubuti umano ang pagbibitiw ni Tolentino sa PDP upang matutukan nito ang kaniyang mga responsibilidad bilang Senate majority leader, at upang maiwasan daw ang pagkuwestiyon sa kanilang pagtugon sa mga isyu sa bansa, lalo na sa usapin ng politika.

MAKI-BALITA: Robin Padilla, pinagbibitiw si Francis Tolentino sa PDP