PCG delists 'Filipino-Chinese' businessman from Auxiliary over misrepresentation

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) on Tuesday said the agency has delisted a “Filipino-Chinese” businessman from its Auxiliary unit over misrepresentation of his citizenship. 

This came after Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros flagged the enlisting of the businessman Joseph Sy in the PCG Auxiliary, saying he is just posing as a Filipino like ousted Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo.

“With the recent development, he has been delisted immediately from the PCGA roster of members and shall henceforth be unauthorized to present himself as a PCGA member, wear the PCGA uniform, and use the auxiliary rank,” PCG’s Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Civil Relations Service (CG-7) Captain Lejanie Dy said in a statement.

The CG-7 said there were verified reports of the concerned PCGA member’s misrepresentation of his citizenship.

According to the CG-7, this constitutes a serious breach of law, trust, and a violation of the core values upheld by the agency.

“His conduct has discredited the name and integrity of the PCGA as the PCG's civilian volunteer arm, and as such, thus he must be delisted immediately,” Dy said.

“The PCG and the PCGA remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of honor, patriotism, and public service. Any actions that compromise these principles will be dealt with accordingly,” she added.

The PCG said that the application of Sy, who became part of the PCGA Executive Squadron in 2018, went through the process and was duly endorsed by the squadron.

According to the CG-7, Sy was not considered for delisting in the past because of his presented proof of Filipino citizenship and good standing in the community as a leader of a reputable organization.

Meanwhile, the CG-7 clarified that the PCGA’s involvement is limited to civic activities such as relief operations, disaster response support, and coastal cleanup drives. 

The PCG noted that the Auxiliary unit does not participate in maritime operations and has no access to critical installations or sensitive offices of the agency.

Section 11 of Republic Act (RA) No. 9993 or the PCG Law of 2009, authorizes the agency to organize, train, and supervise the PCG Auxiliary (PCGA) to support the fulfillment of its mandates, the agency said.

PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has directed strong coordination with other agencies including with the various state intelligence communities, to cleanse its ranks and strengthen the requirements for membership to the PCGA. 

By 2024, the PCG said it had delisted several individuals who failed to meet the security vetting process and submit the required documents as prescribed by the Coast Guard and other relevant agencies.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed on Monday to GMA Integrated News that the Chinese man identified as Chen Zhong Zhen, 60, arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Terminal 3 last August 21 for misrepresenting himself as a Filipino is Sy.

He was found to be using a Philippine passport issued in 2021, and was in possession of several Philippine identity cards showing that he is a Filipino.

The Alien Registration Division however confirmed that his fingerprints matched those of a Chinese citizen, who previously held a long-term visa and an Alien Certificate Registration Identity Card.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) on Monday stood in solidarity and called for the release of Sy who is also chairman of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. (FNI).

“Mr. Sy is a Filipino citizen whose rights are guaranteed under the Constitution. His citizenship has already been affirmed by Philippine authorities, in particular by the BI in two separate rulings,” PNIA said. —KG, GMA Integrated News