MANILA — The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Tuesday lauded the decision of the Department of Justice (DOJ) allowing Sr. Patricia Fox to stay in the country and reinstating her missionary visa.
“We sincerely appreciate the decision of our government authorities to keep the missionary visa of Sister Patricia Fox,” said CBCP president Archbishop Romulo Valles in a statement.
“We consider this a decision that comes across as wise, very understanding and kind to the 71-year old Australian nun of the Sisters of Our Lady of Sion, who for 28 years worked in the Philippines among the poor and marginalized,” he added.
At the same time, the Davao prelate also expressed appreciation to the DOJ for allowing the Australian nun to continue her missionary works in the country pending the deportation case before the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
“In particular we convey our appreciation and gratitude to the officials of the Department of Justice (DOJ) who ordered that until the Bureau of Immigration rules on the pending deportation case or until her visa expires, Sister Pat may continue to do her ministry as a missionary in the country,” he added.
Meanwhile, the BI said they will comply with the DOJ’s decision through reinstating Fox’s visa and reactivating her ACR I-Card.
BI Spokesperson Dana Krizia Sandoval explained that the nun is free to remain in the country and continue her missionary work pending the result of the deportation charge and/or visa cancellation case against her.
Fox is subject of a separate deportation charge for her alleged involvement in political activities
On Monday, the DOJ granted Fox’s appeal to reverse the BI’s forfeiture of her missionary visa.
In a 10-page order, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra noted that the April 23 and May 17 orders by the BI forfeiting Fox’s visa is declared “null and void for having been issued without legal basis”. (Ferdinand Patinio/PNA)
