MANILA, Philippines – The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Tuesday reminded foreigners that they are not allowed to engage in any political activity in the country.
In a statement, Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente reiterated the prohibition in time for the celebration of the EDSA People Power Revolution Anniversary.
Morente said that foreigners joining mass protests and actions for or against the government may lead to their arrest and deportation.
He added that such right is only reserved for Filipino nationals.
“A visitor of a country is allowed to stay here for health, business, or pleasure,” Morente said.
“Joining rallies and protests is an utter display of disrespect to the country, and is equivalent to meddling in our internal affairs as a sovereign nation,” he added.
The Bureau clarified that they have not received any intelligence information about foreigners joining protests, but are sending out warnings regularly to remind the public of this rule.
BI Operations Order No. SBM-2015-025 prohibits foreigners from engaging in political activities while in the country.
“Foreigners who join mass actions are violating the conditions of their stay. If found guilty, we will blacklist these foreigners, effectively barring them from re-entering the country,” Morente warned.
The Philippine government has previously expelled foreigners for allegedly violating this policy.
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