Lawyers to challenge BI order banning foreigners from joining rallies

The National Union of People's Lawyers (NUPL) on Saturday said the Bureau of Immigration's operations order prohibiting foreigners from joining rallies must be declared unconstitutional.

"Kaya po sa bahagi ng National Union of People's Lawyers, we are looking at the possibility of filing a case declaring this operation order issued by the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation be declared unconstitutional," Kathy Panguban, legal counsel from NUPL, said at a press briefing in Quezon City.

Panguban was referring to the Immigration Operation Order No. SBM-2015-025, "which prohibits foreigners from joining, supporting, contributing or involving themselves in whatever manner in any rally, assembly, or gathering whether for or against the government."

This came days after Australian nun Sister Patricia Fox, 71, was arrested supposedly for joining rallies.

Fox's arrest and detention was met with criticisms.

The 71-year-old nun has been released on Tuesday for further investigation after authorities found out that she holds a valid missionary visa, making her a "properly documented alien."

"The right to participate in fact-finding missions, in pro-human rights rallies, and attendance to fora and conferences are also Constitutionally guaranteed rights covered by the freedom of expression, and the freedom to peaceably assemble. These are internationally recognized and protected rights and this protection covers even foreigners," Panguban said.

"We would like to put on record, the Commonwealth Act No. 613 does not have any provision related prohibiting such activities to foreigners like sister Pat," she added.

The NUPL counsel said the Immigration order SBM-2015-025 "clearly violates or runs counter" to the provisions to the Commonwealth Act No. 613, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the International Convention on Civil and Political rights.

Asked when will the lawyers' group file the petition, Panguban said they're still studying grounds and several facts to support their case.

"We are encouraging victims of this repressive regulation to come and communicate with us," she said. —ALG, GMA News