BI downgrades Sister Fox’s visa

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has downgraded Australian nun Patricia Fox’s missionary visa to a temporary visitor’s visa.

In an order signed by the BI Board of Commissioners last October 24, Fox was given a temporary visitor status with a 59-day validity.

BI spokesperson Dana Krizia Sandoval said the visa was downgraded after the board denied the extension of her missionary visa,

"Downgrading reverted her status to a temporary visitor, and she is given 59 days from the day her missionary visa expired last September 5,” Sandoval stated.

“We welcome the downgrading of Sister Fox’s visa to temporary visitor’s visa,” Maria Sol Taule, Fox’s lawyer said in a statement.

“This means she can still stay in the Philippines to face the deportation charges against her,” Taule added.

Fox was also the subject of a separate deportation order from the BI, which she appealed before the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Sandoval said that the BI still needs to wait for the DOJ's decision before acting on her deportation.

She stressed that the temporary visitor's visa was issued without prejudice to the ruling of the DOJ on her petition.

Fox was accused by President Duterte of joining anti-government rallies and actions. She has denied the allegation. Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the DOJ is handling other urgent petitions for review and might take some time before it resolves Fox’s petition.

“Medyo matagal pa yun (It will take some time), the parties will submit their memoranda pa,” the DOJ chief said.

“Dami naming other petitions for review na more urgent (The DOJ is handling other petitions for review which are much more urgent),” he pointed out. (with a report from Jeffrey G. Damicog)