Manila, June 12 -- The Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), said Beijing's sanctions against Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and his family are deemed "unfriendly act that further complicates" ties between the Philippines and China.

"While the imposition of sanctions is China's sovereign prerogative, the Philippines views it as an unfriendly act that further complicates the bilateral relations," said Foreign Affairs spokesperson Analyn Ratonel in a statement Thursday.

"Such measures do not contribute to building mutual trust, managing differences responsibly, or creating the conditions necessary for constructive engagement between our two countries," she added.

China on Thursday barred Teodoro and his i...