The Senate has reopened its inquiry into the citizenship of businessman Joseph Sy, amid allegations of falsification, possible national security risks, and questions surrounding his business interests, including mining operations.
Sy, chairman of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc., appeared before the Senate Subcommittee on Justice and Human Rights chaired by Senator Risa Hontiveros on December 15, following findings by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) linking his Philippine passport to a Chinese national.
According to Palawan News, who reported on the findings of the BI, fingerprint analysis allegedly showed that Sy is the same person as Chen Zhong Zhen, also known as Shi Zhenzong, who previously applied for amnesty under Republic Act No. 7919, or the Alien Social Integration Act of 1995.
“We convene this hearing because of Joseph Sy – na tinagurian na ng media bilang Alice Guo 2.0. Bureau of Immigration na ang nagsabi, yung fingerprints sa diumano’y Philippine passport ni ‘Joseph Sy’ ay tugma sa fingerprints ng isang Chen Zhong Zhen,” Hontiveros said.
When questioned about basic details such as his birthplace and where he grew up, Sy declined to answer, citing a pending case before the Court of Appeals and invoking his right against self-incrimination.
“My ongoing case is in CA (Court of Appeals), so pasensiya na po na as I can invoke my right to remain silent kasi may kaso na eh. Pasensiya na,” Sy said.
Hontiveros questioned Sy’s refusal to address what she described as basic facts, saying, “Saang mundo ba masama sabihin sa whether sa hearing ng komite ng senado or sa korte for that matter, itong mga basic facts na ito? Medyo fantastic yung stretch na iyon.”
The BI said Sy was arrested on August 21 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport for allegedly misrepresenting himself as a Filipino citizen, being an undesirable alien, and violating the terms of his stay.
“Mayroon hong admission si Mr. Chon Zhen Zhong on record na siya is si Joseph Sy. One and the same person,” BI Commissioner Joel Viado said.
Sy’s lawyer, Atty. Alma Mallonga, told senators that her client remains under BI custody despite court rulings ordering his release, including the granting of a petition for habeas corpus and an order from the Court of Appeals.
“As early as September 2025, his petition for habeas corpus had already been granted based on existing and relevant jurisprudence,” Mallonga said, adding that the BI has continued to refuse to release Sy.
The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) said the case raises concerns beyond criminal liability, pointing to risks involving institutional safeguards and the protection of strategic national interests.
Lawmakers also flagged Sy’s reported involvement in Ipilan Nickel Corp., a mining firm operating in Palawan, citing earlier updates that questioned the company’s permits and environmental compliance. Senators noted that nickel is considered a strategic mineral with national security implications.
The Office of the Solicitor General said it is coordinating with the BI and the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on the possible cancellation of Sy’s birth certificate due to alleged irregularities in its delayed registration.
PSA officials said during the hearing that Sy’s birth certificate was registered when he was already 41 years old, which they said did not comply with existing rules. The agency also disclosed it is reviewing records involving Sy’s family, including conflicting birth certificates and passport records.
As the Senate probe continues, how will authorities balance due process, national security concerns, and accountability in resolving questions surrounding Sy’s citizenship and business interests?
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