Renato Reyes on DOJ Granting Sister Patricia Fox Visa Back, “Napahiya si Duterte!”

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has reversed the order of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) that revoked the missionary visa of Sister Patricia Fox. Therefore, the 71-year old Australian nun can stay in the Philippines. Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes was among the first known personality to react and mocked President Rodrigo Duterte.

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) has nullified the orders of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) which forfeited the missionary visa of Sister Patricia Fox and directed her to leave the country in thirty (30) days.” The DOJ said in a released document on Monday, June 18, the last day that Sr. Fox is allowed to supposed to stay in the country.

“Our existing immigration laws outline what the BI can do to foreigners in their papers including visa when they commit certain acts within the Philippine territory. What the BI did, in this case, is beyond what the law provides, that is why it has to be struck down," Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, who replaced Vitaliano Aguirre last April said.

“But just because it is a privilege does not mean it can be withdrawn without legal basis. The BI cannot simply create new procedures or new grounds to withdraw a visa already granted to a foreigner," he added, noting that the case will be returned to BI for proper disposition, and to decided as to whether Sr. Fox’s visa will be canceled or not.

"Until a final resolution of the visa cancellation and/or deportation proceedings is reached, or until the expiration of her missionary visa, whichever comes first, Sister Fox may continue to perform her duties as a missionary in the Philippines," Guevarra said further.

Sister Fox, who has been in the Philippines for 27 years, was detained for a day last April. According to BI, the Australian nun participated in political rallies and fact-finding missions, and other similar acts prohibited to foreigners staying in the country. In 2013, she was also arrested for investigating the land redistribution in Hacienda Luisita.



Meanwhile, Reyes said he welcomes the DOJ’s decision. “We thank the DOJ for exercising fairness in the matter. We are happy for Sr. Pat and hope that she continues her good work for the Filipino poor…it only proves that the president was wrong in his accusations and he should feel ashamed.” He said in a statement.

Contributed by Orlando Gagui