DOJ on barring EU pol: Foreign political meddlers not welcome

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra (second from left) justified the barring and deportation of a European politician for allegedly meddling in local politics. AFP FILE PHOTO

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Monday justified blocking the entry into the country and deporting a European politician saying foreign political meddling in local political affairs was illegal.

“It is unlawful for aliens staying in our country to engage in partisan political activities,” said Guevarra in a text message.

The Justice secretary issued the statement after officials blocked the entry of Giacomo Filibeck, a leader of the Party of European Socialist (PES), at the Cebu International Airport.

Filibeck was in the country on October 2017 and criticized President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs.

“The government has the right to refuse entry to those who have committed these illegal acts in the past,” Guevarra said.

The European politician arrived in the country to attend a two-day party congress of the Akbayan Party-list a sister party of the PES. /cbb