‘Utterly unconstitutional, immoral and super ridiculous act’

This is in reference to the burning news concerning the struggle being waged by Australian missionary nun Patricia Fox against the sinister powers that be.

Sister Pat has been in the country for nearly three decades, religiously, persistently and relentlessly pursuing social justice, due recognition and human dignity for the people of Mindanao, especially those who belong to the lowest stratum of our society, the indigenous and minority.

Although she is an Australian, due to the length of time that she has spent here, the love that she has shown to our people and the time fighting, struggling and standing up for the poor, marginalized, weak, helpless, hopeless, oppressed, and persecuted, there is no shadow of doubt that she is more Filipino than some of our countrymen who do not contribute to the development of our country.

The barbaric, utterly illegal and undeniably constitutional act committed to her by the powers that be, specifically by the Bureau of Immigration, with the connivance it seems of the so-called Department of Justice through the egging and instruction of Malacañang, is not only a mockery of justice, but undeniably the height of absurdity.

In my view, the barbaric and utterly inhumane act committed and continuously being done to Sister Pat is a grave violation of the Constitution for not respecting due process and the right to have her day in court.

The constitutional provision of due process is applicable to all, both the citizens and foreigners. Besides the fundamental law, there are international treaties, conventions and agreements that this country had agreed, signed and vowed to follow and observe. Is the case of Sister Pat the kind of foreign policy that they want?

I just hope that authorities are ready for the possible backlash, at home and abroad, and the dire consequences of their evil and illegal actions.

JOSE MARIO DE VEGA, assistant professor, University of Makati