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'The law may be harsh but it is the law and obedience thereto excuses no one,' says Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
'NO EXEMPTIONS.' Sister Patricia Fox along with her supporters at a press conference at St. Joseph's Church in Quezon City before her departure for the airport on Saturday, November 3, 2018. Photo by Jire Carreon / Rappler
MANILA, Philippines – Doing good is not free from the laws of the land you're staying in.
This is the message of Chief Presidential Legal Counsel and Presidential Spokesman El Salvador Panelo as Australian Missionary Sister Patricia Fox left the Philippines on Saturday, November 3.
"We wish to do so in such a way as to be able to do so in such a way as to a statement on Saturday.
He added, "The law may be harsh but it is the law and obedience thereto excuses no one from compliance therewith."
Fox left the Philippines on Saturday afternoon after her tourist visa expired. She was ordered in the aftermath of the government. (EXPLAINER: Patricia Fox puts spotlights on PH immigration laws)
She appealed to the deportation before the Department of Justice, but the case was still pending, her missionary visa was rejected for renewal and had been downgraded to a tourist visa.
"Our advice to Sister Fox is to follow the law in this instance or otherwise," said Panelo.
Fox earlier contested the accusation against her. She said she was not protesting to fight the government, but to promote the rights of Filipino farmers, workers, and indigenous peoples. (READ: Crackdown on missionary fuels dictatorship fears)
"I am a missionary and I happen to be assigned here in the Philippines." So, as part of my missionary work, I call on the injustices, " Fox said in a counter-affidavit she signed in May to dispute her deportation. – Rappler.com
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