BI: Time is running out for Sister Fox stay in PH

Australian missionary Patricia Fox. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES

Australian nun Patricia Fox has 30 days to seek a reversal of the deportation order otherwise she has to voluntary present herself to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), the agency’s spokesperson said Thursday.

“The 30 days is for the period that she needs to file an appeal. If she fails to do so, she can voluntary present herself [to the BI] with the requirements [for her deportation],” BI spokesperson Dana Krizia Sandoval said.

She said if Fox failed to file an appeal, “kailangan na sya i-temporary hold ng Immigration.”

The BI released a resolution denying the motion for reconsideration of Australian nun Patricia Anne Fox seeking to reverse the deportation order against her.

READ: BI orders deportation of Sister Fox

“If she is planning to file an appeal, she has to file within 30 days before it [the decision] becomes final and executory,” Sandoval said.

Earlier, Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said Fox can still file an appeal either before the Department of Justice (DOJ) or Office of the President (OP). From DOJ and OP, he said Fox can still take her case to the Court of Appeals and eventually, the Supreme Court.

Sandoval agreed with Guevarra saying it is allowed under the Immigration’s Omnibus Rule.

The BI, in a three page resolution, denied Fox’ motion for reconsideration for failure to raise new issues that would warrant a reversal of their earlier ruling.

Last July, the BI ordered Fox’ deportation for violating the conditions of her stay and for being an undesirable alien. /jpv