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Tolentino on TPNW: Sen. Francis “Tol” Tolentino, during the virtual hearing of the Committee on Foreign Relations on the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) Thursday, January 14, 2021, expresses concerns over the possible violation the Philippines might commit once the treaty is concurred in by the Senate. Tolentino said that while he supports the TPNW, he is not sure how the Philippines would be able to comply with its provisions particularly on the prohibition of stationing, installation or deployment of any nuclear weapons or nuclear explosive devices in the territory or at any place under the jurisdiction of each state party. “How can we enforce it? How do we inspect the artificial island in the West Philippine Sea, which is part of our jurisdiction, if there are nuclear weapons stockpiled there? Who will grant us the permit? Who will accompany us to visit those artificial islands? Will we be allowed?” Tolentino asked. He surmised it would be a diplomatic quandary on the part of the Philippines because of the lack of the country’s capacity to enforce it. (Screen grab/Senate PRIB)