Filipinos have “unlimited freedom of expression,” but foreign nun’s criticisms vs PHL a “violation of PHL sovereignty,” he says
(Eagle News) –President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, April 18, admitted it was he who ordered Catholic nun Patricia Fox investigated.
“I ordered her to be investigated..not arrested..but invited her to an investigation for disorderly conduct,” Duterte said during change of command ceremonies in Camp Aguinaldo.
According to Duterte, Philippine laws “provide that I can deport you or refuse you entry if you are an undesirable alien.”
He said Filipinos were entitled to criticize government, but not foreigners.
“I have been a politician..kung insultuhin ako and just because he is a Catholic priest and you are a foreigner, who are you..it’s a violation of our sovereignty,” Duterte said.
“You do not ..you can come and enjoy all the sights..I could invite you to ..(but) do not insult us. Everytime you open your mouth with your..hanggang tilaok mo,” he added.
He said the “only reason” Fox was released was because she was “not caught in flagrante delicto.”
“Just because you’re a nun? And try to ponder the enormity of your problems,” he said.
“Ikaw madre, why don’t you criticize your own government. The way it handled refugees, hungry and dying, and you turn them back to the open sea. Bakit di ka magyakyak dun? You are too presumptuous about looking here,” he added.
Fox has admitted on national television to joining rallies espousing human rights in the country.
She has since been released by the Bureau of Immigration but her lawyer said proceedings stemming from the charge of her being an undesirable alien would continue vs against her.