MANILA – The Bureau of Immigration affirmed its order to forfeit the missionary visa of Australian nun Patricia Fox for her involvement in political activities in the country.
Its Board of Commissioners ruled with finality to deny the motion for reconsideration filed by Fox’s lawyers urging the reversal of the order released in April, said the bureau.
“This order is final and executory,” Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente said in a statement. “We will not entertain any further motion for reconsideration from their camp. That’s the law.”
Morente, head of the three-man panel who investigated Fox, said her missionary visa was cancelled because the nun violated Section 9 of the Philippine Immigration Act of 1940.
If Fox refuses to leave the country, the bureau would initiate deportation proceedings, according to Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval. The 30-day period will lapse Friday.
“According to records, April 25 was the date they received the order for visa forfeiture, so it would lapse on May 25,” Sandoval said.
Fox, who has been helping peasants and indigenous peoples for 27 years, was arrested by Immigration authorities on April 16 pursuant to a mission order issued by Morente. She was released a day later.
Two days later, President Rodrigo Duterte said he was the one who ordered an investigation into Fox for supposed “disorderly conduct.”
The Commission on Human Rights was investigating the arrest.
Malacañang also presented an alleged photo of Fox speaking at a rally organized by Kilusang Mayo Uno and Gabriela party-list in front of the Coca-Cola distribution center in Ulas, Davao City on April 9./PN
