Ahead of Eleksyon 2022, foreigners warned vs. engaging in Philippine political activities

The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Wednesday warned foreigners against joining mass actions and protests amid the upcoming 2022 elections.

Immigration Commissioner Jamie Morente said foreigners, even holders of permanent residence visas, are prohibited by law from engaging in partisan political activities while in the country.

“Foreigners joining mass actions and protests including election campaigns is a disrespect to our prescribed laws and is considered as a violation of their stay in the Philippines,” Morente said in a statement.

Morente said there will be no tolerance for foreigners that will supposedly meddle in the affairs of the country.

According to Morente, foreigners found guilty of such acts, especially electioneering, will be deported and blacklisted.

“We are sending this early reminder as we have encountered so many deportation cases of foreigners who have engaged in political activities in the past,” he said.

Morente has also warned BI personnel from engaging in politics on social media.

“This election season, as public servants, we are expected to remain politically neutral as this is mandated by law,” he said. —Joahna Lei Casilao/KBK, GMA News