China can't silence 'pro-Philippines' Filipinos after former senator banbr br Malacañang on July 2, 2025 says that China could not silence 'pro-Philippines' Filipinos after the Chinese government sanctioned former senator Francis Tolentino for defending the country's maritime claims. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said while it was the right of China to ban Tolentino, it could not stop 'true Filipinos' from voicing their support on the Philippine government's stand on the West Philippine Sea.br br VIDEO BY CATHERINE S.