DAVAO CITY (June 18) — The Department of Justice is set to release anytime today, June 18, its resolution on the appeal filed by Australian nun Sr. Patricia Fox.
Fox earlier asked the DoJ to revese the decision rendered by the Bureau of Immigration’s and Deportation (BID) for her to leave the country.
On Sunday, the government’s news website, Philippine News Agency (PNA), reported that Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra, will release the decision today.
“DoJ will release the resolution on Monday, June 18, sister fox deadline to leave the country,” Guevarra said in a text message sent to the Philippine News Agency.
Fox through her legal counsels filed a petition on May 25, asking the DoJ to reverse the BID resolution, saying there is no factual basis for the downgrading of Fox’s missionary visa into a temporary visitor visa.
The BID downgraded Fox’s missionary visa to a visitor visa and asked her to leave the country saying she violated conditions of her visa.
A visitor visa, allows a tourist to stay in the country for a maximum of 30 days. While a missionary visa, allows a religious missioners to stay in the country for two years and can be renewed every two years thereafter.
In her petition, Fox counsels stated that the allegation that she violated the terms and conditions (of her visa) is misplaced and unfounded.
While Fox’s counsels agreed with the BI’s position that a visa is a privilege and not a right given to foreigners, they pointed out “once it is granted by the State, it cannot be revoked except on valid and lawful ground and upon observance of due process of law, both substantive and procedural.”
On April 16, Fox was apprehended by BI operatives pursuant to a mission order issued by Commissioner Jaime Morente for violating the conditions of her stay in the country by engaging in political activities and anti-government demonstrations.-Ezc/NewsLine.ph
