FILE- Sister Patricia Fox —JAM STA. ROSA
Sister Patricia Fox, the embattled Australian nun who wants to appeal her deportation before the Department of Justice, will be accorded all remedies under the Philippine law.
This was the assurance of Malacañang on Friday in reaction to the plan of Fox’s camp to challenge the deportation order issued by the Bureau of Immigration.
“We’re according her all the remedies provided by law to appeal the decision of the BI. I understand she has 30 days or so to appeal again to the DOJ,” said presidential spokesperson Harry Roque.
In a press briefing on Friday, Roque said they will allow Fox to exhaust all legal remedies available to her under Philippine laws.
“We will accord that to her, and once she has exhausted all remedies and the decision is not in her favor, she will be deported,” he added.
On Friday, Fox’s lawyer Jobert Pahilga said they will ask the DOJ to reconsider the deportation order directing the elderly nun to return to Australia.
This was after the BI upheld its decision to deport Fox for allegedly violating the terms of her missionary visa when she allegedly took part in political activities here.
Roque maintained that Fox’s case was not a personal attack and was based on a DOJ directive issued by former Justice secretary and now detained Sen. Leila de Lima.
“Blame de Lima for that issuance,” he said, adding: “Dura lex, sed lex.”
Roque said the case was a reminder for foreigners not to engage in political activities in the Philippines.
“This is a message to foreigners. Don’t engage in politics if you’re on a temporary visa here in the country,” he said.