Sovereignty

No less than President Duterte himself admitted that he had ordered the investigation of Sister Patricia Fox, an Australian missionary, 71 years old, who had been in the country for around 27 years. Although Duterte said he did not order the arrest and deportation of Sister Pat. Nevertheless, he took responsibility for the actions of everyone concerned. The Palace even said that apologies were in order. That would have been the end of that, but no. In exchange ceremonies for the new AFP Chief of Staff, Duterte used the occasion to unleash hell on the nun. “Huwag mong papasukin kasi walanghiya ang bunganga ng madreng ‘yan.” He said the nun had no right to criticize the government while her country was turning away refugees. “At least in the country, criminals are the ones being killed”, added Duterte.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque showed a picture of Sister Pat apparently speaking at a rally in Davao. This supposedly proves her guilt in participating in partisan politics and criticizing the government, which according to our sovereign rights, she cannot do. I do wonder what she actually said at that rally that made her get under Duterte’s skin. According to Sister Pat, she only fought for human rights and did not engage in political rallies. I guess that was enough reason for her to become a blip in this administration’s radar.

Now, the administration seems to have found a reason to ask Sister Patricia Fox to leave. According to the Bureau of Immigration (BI), her missionary visa was forfeited when she supposedly participated in partisan politics. Because of this, she has to leave the country within 30 days. She may return, but only on a tourist visa. A deportation case is still being investigated for her being an “undesirable alien.” If she is deported, then she may be barred from entering the country altogether. An undesirable septuagenarian, if ever.

This administration does not want criticism from foreigners, no matter what. Known opposition figures and groups have denounced her order to leave the country. One of the questions asked was if she had been here for almost three decades, why is she only being singled out now, by this administration? Indeed. Like I said, the world is put on notice. Foreigners who criticize this government are at risk of deportation, no matter what visa they hold.

Consequently, the Philippine envoy to Kuwait is being expelled for the controversial “rescue” of Filipino domestic workers from their employers’ homes, a video of which went viral online. Violation of its sovereignty is the same reason given by the Kuwaiti government as to the actions of the Philippine envoy and several embassy employees. Kuwait has also recalled its envoy to the country. We will have to wait and see what happens to Philippine-Kuwaiti relations after this. We may lose Kuwait as a destination for OFWs, if both countries cannot mend ties. I heard Russia may be an alternate place to work. What do you think?