Immigration affirms Patricia Fox’s deportation order

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has affirmed with finality its order last month revoking the missionary visa of Australian nun Patricia Fox for supposedly violating the law prohibiting foreigners from joining political rallies in the country.

In a three-page order signed on May 17 but released only yesterday, the BI board of commissioners denied the motion for reconsideration filed by Fox.

The board chaired by Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente stood firm in its April 23 decision, which cancelled Fox’s visa and ordered her to leave the country within 30 days.

“This order is final and executory. We will not entertain any further appeal,” the order read.

The BI said the 30-day period would lapse tomorrow.

Deputy Commissioners J. Tobias Javier and Marc Red Mariñas also approved the ruling, which may still be appealed before the office of the justice secretary.

The BI board rejected Fox’s argument in her appeal that the bureau violated her right to due process and that allegations that she engaged in political activities were not backed by solid evidence.

The bureau reiterated that Fox was only allowed to render missionary work in Barangay Amihan in Quezon City when she applied for her visa.

It stressed that the strict rules on evidence do not apply to immigration cases, which are administrative proceedings requiring only the lowest quantum of evidence.

The BI advised Fox, through her counsel, to comply with the order to leave the country.

 BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval clarified that the final cancellation of Fox’s visa is separate from the resolution of the complaint for deportation against the nun for engaging in political activities.

Sandoval explained that pending resolution of the deportation case, Fox could return to the country as a tourist as she has yet to be included in the bureau’s blacklist.