MANILA — Lawmakers belonging to the Makabayan Bloc at the House of Representatives on Wednesday filed a measure seeking to grant Filipino citizenship to Australian missionary Sr. Patricia Fox.
The seven-member progressive bloc filed House Bill No. 7806 granting Filipino citizenship to the Catholic nun as a “fitting recognition for her selfless service to the poor and oppressed Filipinos.”
“For 27 years, Sr. Pat lived with and served the farmers, indigenous peoples and other marginalized people in the communities. By living with the poor and oppressed, Sr. Pat has come to understand, experience and embrace the culture and the struggle of the poor Filipino majority,” the group said in the bill’s explanatory note.
“It is a response to the call of many farmers, fisher folks, and indigenous people whose lives were touched and helped by Sr. Pat,” it added.
The Makabayan bloc consists of Gabriela Reps. Arlene Brosas and Emmi de Jesus, ACT Teachers Reps. Antonio Tinio and France Castro, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Zarate, Anakpawis Rep. Ariel Casilao, and Kabataan Rep. Sarah Elago.
Last April 16, Fox was apprehended by BI agents for being an undesirable alien, for allegedly violating the conditions of her missionary visa after participating in partisan political activities. She was released from custody the next day.
On April 23, the bureau cancelled her missionary visa and downgraded it to temporary visitor’s visa. (PNA)
