Senate Majority Floor Leader Francis Tolentino resigned Monday as Vice President and member of Partido Demokratiko Pilipino (PDP) after party President Senator Robinhood Padilla advised him to do so.

“Independent ako… Ang sa’kin dito para sa Pilipino,” he told reporters.

In his letter dated August 5, 2024, Tolentino said he decided to resign due to significant differences in foreign policy directions, particularly regarding the West Philippine Sea.

He said PDP’s inclination on bilateral dialogue with China “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,” he said.