BI tells Sister Fox: Leave PH by May 25 or face another deportation case

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has no choice but to file another deportation case against Sister Patricia Fox if she refuses to leave the country by Friday.

In a phone interview, BI spokeswoman Dana Sandoval said the bureau will commence a new deportation proceeding if the 71-year old nun fails to comply with the 30-day leave order issued against her.

“The order states that deportation proceedings will be initiated if she stays,” Sandoval said in a phone interview.

Even if the Sister Fox’s camp decides to file an appeal before the Department of Justice (DOJ), Sandoval stressed that the order for her to leave the country was considered final.

“It’s already final and executory. Wala po sa ating process na mag-file ng motion for reconsideration sa Department of Justice,” the BI spokeswoman said.

READ: Sister Fox to appeal BI’s leave order before DOJ

“The process is that upon filing a motion for reconsideration with the Bureau of Immigration, once the decision has been made, it is final and executory,” she explained.

The BI’s three-member board of commissioners earlier issued a three-page order denying the appeal of the Australian missionary to have her missionary visa reinstated and to have the 30-day leave order reversed.

READ: BI affirms its leave order vs. Sister Patricia Fox 

However, Sandoval said: “Whatever the DOJ instructs, we will follow the higher office.” The BI is an attached agency of the DOJ. /vvp