Mining executive Joseph Sy in PH before 1992 —BI

Nickel businessman Joseph Sy, identified by authorities as Chen Zhong Zhen, has been in the Philippines even before 1992, Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval said Wednesday.

“Nakita po natin na siya ay may long-term visa dito. He has been here for decades already, even before 1992, kaya nakakuha po siya ng long-term visa dito sa Pilipinas,” Sandoval told Super Radyo dzBB.

(We saw that he has a long-term visa here. He has been here for decades already, even before 1992, that’s why he was able to obtain a long-term visa here in the Philippines.)

According to Sandoval, Sy received his visa through Republic Act (RA) 7919 or The Alien Social Integration Act of 1995.

“Ang visa niya po noong time na ‘yun was RA 7919. Ito po 'yung binibigay na visa sa mga dati pong— parang pardon visa ito, eh. ‘Yung mga matagal na dito, binigyan ng long-term residence through RA 7919,” she said.

(His visa at that time was RA 7919. This is the visa given before— it’s like a pardon visa. Those who have been here for a long time were granted long-term residence through RA 7919.)

The BI previously confirmed that the Chinese identified as Chen arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Terminal 3 last August 21 for misrepresenting himself as a Filipino is Sy.

The businessman’s firm, Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc., sought his release, noting that Sy is a holder of a valid Philippine passport.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Nickel Industry Association called the arrest unjust and unfair, as Sy was already proven as a Filipino citizen when he had an immigration case before. Sandoval, however, reiterated that the case is different this time. 

She said Sy’s deportation case is at its initial stage.

“We would also look and check kung meron pa siyang mga pending cases dito sa Pilipinas, which we are expecting din. Kasi syempre, kapag may citizenship issue na ‘yan, meron na ‘yan kakambal na mga other cases,” she said.

(We would also look and check if he still has pending cases in the Philippines, which we are also expecting. Since of course, it's a citizenship issue, there would be other cases.)

Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros on Monday flagged the enlisting of Sy as part of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Auxiliary unit, saying Sy is just posing as a Filipino like ousted Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo.

The PCG then announced on Tuesday that it has delisted Sy from its Auxiliary unit over misrepresentation of his citizenship. —KG, GMA Integrated News