Foreigners warned vs participating in midterm polls

FOREIGNERS can face arrest and deportation if found guilty by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) of supporting candidates in the May 13 midterm elections.

Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. issued the warning on Wednesday in deference to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 9815, which specifically prohibits, among others, foreign nationals from taking part in the elections.

David said they may receive and investigate complaints against foreigners, particularly those who engage in partisan political activity and make campaign donations to candidates.

He said the prohibition aims to prevent candidates from enjoying undue advantage over their opponents due to the financial support they get from foreigners.

Meanwhile, BI acting intelligence chief Antonette Mangrobang said the under the Fair Elections Act, any person found guilty of an election offense may be punished with a jail term of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to probation.

“If he is a foreigner, he shall be punished with deportation but that penalty shall be enforced after he has served his prison sentence,” she said. (FP/Sunnex)