Philippines to strictly implement law vs foreigners engaging in partisan politics, says officials

April 18, 2018

The Philippine government will strictly implement the law against foreign nationals who would engage in partisan political activities, officials said on Wednesday.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano and Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, in separate occasions, insisted there is a law that prohibits foreigners from engaging in partisan political activities in the country.

"There's really a law that the foreigners should not meddle in our politics, and any government really does not want a foreigner to interfere," said Roque in a television interview.

But he apologized the seeming mistake by the Bureau of Immigration in detaining Australian missionary Sister Patrifica Fox.

"The difference is, apparently there was a mistake in the case of Sister Fox and apologies are in order," he said, adding Fox was released later.

Fox's lawyer presented a valid missionary visa and her passport, prompting the BI to release her.

But in the case of  Giacomo Filibeck, deputy secretary-general of the Party of European Socialists (PES), Roque said it was clear his intention of coming into the country was to participate in a political convention, which is prohibited by law.

"So he did not have the right to enter and we have the power to decline the entry of foreigners in our territory," he explained.

Meanwhile, in a forum with the Foreign Correspondents of the Philippines, Cayetano said what happened to Filibeck should serve as a warning that the Duterte administration would implement strictly the law against foreigners.

"In general, anyone, whether they are 12 years old, 50 years old, or 70 years old, if they are a foreigner and if they get involved in partisan political activities in the Philippines, then they are not welcome because it interferes with our political rights, with our right to self-determination," he said.

He reiterated the independent foreign policy of the Duterte government.

He cited that free discussions are available if there are forum or seminars.

"But if you have a rally outside or you are organizing people to rebel against the government and you are a foreigner, I’m sorry but that is not your right. That is your right in your country and I expect the same for myself,” Cayetano added. Celerina Monte/DMS