MANILA – Malacañang on Friday said the government gave Australian nun Patricia Fox all the remedies she can avail of under the Philippine law to appeal her deportation.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this reaction after Fox said she will ask the Department of Justice (DOJ) to reverse the deportation order issued by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) against her.
“We are according her all the remedies provided by law to appeal the decision of the CID (Commission on Immigration and Deportation),” Roque said in a Palace briefing.
Roque said 71-year-old Australian nun has been given 30 days to appeal the deportation order to the DOJ.
“After exhausting all the remedies and if the decision will not change, she will be deported,” Roque said.
On August 23, the BI denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Fox who violated a Philippine law which prohibits foreigner from participating in political rallies.
Roque downplayed Fox’s accusation that her deportation was the personal attack on her by President Rodrigo Duterte.
“Ang basehan po na ginamit ng ating Presidente para siya ma-deport ay isang order na inisyu ni dating (The basis that our President used to deport her was an order issued by former) Secretary Leila de Lima. Blame Leila de Lima for that issuance,” Roque said.
Roque was referring to the BI’s Operation Order 2015-25, signed by de Lima as then Justice secretary, that prohibits foreigners to join any gathering whether for or against the government.
Based on a photo that Roque showed to the media last April, Fox was seen speaking at a rally organized by the Kilusang Mayo Uno and Gabriela in a Coca-Cola factory in Davao City on April 9.
“Dura lex sed lex. That a message to the foreigners. Do not engage in politics while you are on temporary visa in the Philippines,” Roque warned. (PNA)
