Full text of Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo’s statement on Sister Patricia Fox’s case

The departure of Sister Patricia Fox is a timely reminder to all foreigners who stay or sojourn in
this country that they are not entitled to all the rights and privileges granted to the citizens of the
Philippines, including the absolute exercise of political rights inherently exclusive to Filipino
citizens, as spelled out in Operations Order No. SBM 2015-025 issued by the Bureau of
Immigration (BI), approved by then Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima.

Undeniable is the fact that Sister Fox joined protest rallies. She has publicly acknowledged that
joining these activities is part of her advocacy. Her participation therefore violated the conditions
of her stay thereby mocking our laws, and abusing the hospitality extended to her by the host
country.

To say that Sister Fox is “compelled to leave under strong protest” is, therefore, misleading as it
is erroneous. Neither is there “injustice” nor “silencing or threatening anyone from exercising the
freedom of expression.” Freedom of expression remains unbridled in this part of the world.

Sister Fox was given due process of law. She underwent a legal process where she was given the
opportunity to be heard. She availed of all remedies that she may stay in the Philippines but the
BI upheld the law and denied the request for the extension of her visa, which is set to expire
tomorrow, November 4.

We wish Sister Fox well in her travel and we thank her for whatever good deeds she has
performed during her stay in the country. Such acts however cannot exempt her from the
punishment imposed by law as a consequence of her wrongdoing. Dura lex sed lex. The law may
be harsh but it is the law and obedience thereto excuses no one from compliance therewith.

Our advice to Sister Fox is to follow the law whether here or elsewhere. Otherwise, the law of
cause and effect will operate against her, as it did in this particular instance.