MALACAÑANG on Thursday, April 19, denied that there is a crackdown on foreigners who are critical of the Duterte administration.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque Jr. said the government was merely implementing the law, imposing sanctions on foreigners who participate in political activities.
"Our law is clear: Those [who are] in the Philippines are here because of our consent for them to be here, but they are not allowed to engage in any political activity," the presidential spokesman told a press conference.
"There is no crackdown (on foreigners who are against the government). That's just what the law provides," he added.
Roque issued the clarification after immigration authorities arrested and detained overnight Australian Roman Catholic nun Sister Patricia Fox and barred Party of European Socialists deputy secretary-general Giacomo Filibeck from entering the country.
Fox has been in the country for 27 years, working with farmers and indigenous peoples while Filibeck last year participated in an international fact-finding mission on the killings linked to the war on drugs and was subsequently blacklisted.
Both were accused of engaging in political activities during their stay in the country.
In a speech delivered Wednesday, April 18, Duterte admitted that he had ordered the conduct of investigation against Fox for supposedly badmouthing his adminsitration.
Roque denied that the current administration was being selective by targeting foreign nationals who expressed opposition to its political agenda.
He stressed that even those foreigners who are on the side of the government may also face deportation, if they engage in political activities.
"It's not a crackdown. That's what the law states. As I said, dura lex, sed lex. The law may be harsh but such is the law. And you know, there are many foreigners who have already been deported because of partisan activities," he said.
"That (law) will still be applied (to foreigners who are also supportive of the government) because it does not distinguish. And the law does not distinguish. Enforcement agents should not," he added. (VoxPop Philippines)
