BI junks Sr. Patricia Fox’s plea vs. deportation

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has stood pat on its earlier order for elderly Australian missionary Patricia Fox to leave the country for her supposed participation in political activities.

In a May 17 order that was referenced in a press statement issued on Wednesday, Immigration commissioners denied "with finality" Fox's motion for reconsideration that sought a reversal of the order forfeiting her missionary visa and directing her to leave the Philippines in 30 days.

"This order is final and executory. We will not entertain any further motion for reconsideration," BI Commissioner Jaime Morente said in the statement.

In denying her appeal, the BI dismissed Fox's claims of lack of due process and evidence in the forfeiture of her missionary visa and in her alleged participation in prohibited political activities, the statement said.

The BI also said Fox "acted beyond allowed activities under her visa by working outside of Barangay Amihan in Quezon City, the place where she claimed she would render her missionary works when she applied for her visa."

This decision is separate from the deportation complaint against the septuagenarian religious worker, which still awaits resolution by the bureau.

Pending resolution of the deportation rap and absent a blacklisting, Fox can return to the country as a tourist, said bureau spokesperson Dana Sandoval in the statement. —Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/KBK, GMA News