Businessman Joseph Sy must face probe before deportation - Hontiveros

Metro Manila, Philippines - Embattled mining executive Joseph Sy should be allowed to appear in an upcoming Senate investigation before his possible deportation for allegedly misrepresenting himself as a Filipino, Senator Risa Hontiveros said on Thursday, Aug. 28.

Sy has been detained at the Bureau of Immigration facility in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig. He was arrested last week after his fingerprints matched those of Chinese national Chen Zhong Zhen, casting doubt on the validity of his Philippine documents.

Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval earlier said that deportation proceedings are ongoing. However, these may be put on hold and Sy could be transferred to a local jail if a court case is filed against him.

“Dapat rin sana hayaan nilang humarap din sa komite ng Senado o sa pag-imbestiga ng privilege speech ko bago anumang deportation ay mangyari,” Hontiveros told the Kapihan sa Senado media forum on Thursday, Aug. 28.

“Ibig sabihin, humarap din si Joseph Sy sa anumang proseso dito sa Pilipinas,” she added.

[Translation: They should also allow him to appear before the Senate committee or during the investigation of my privilege speech before any deportation happens. That means Joseph Sy should also face any process here in the Philippines.]

NewsWatch Plus has reached out to the BI for comment.

In a privilege speech delivered at the Senate plenary on Aug. 27, Senator Risa Hontiveros called for a deeper legislative investigation on Sy’s “suspicious” activities, including his enlistment in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary despite allegedly faking his Philippine citizenship.

Hontiveros expressed concern that Sy could be a Chinese spy, citing his position as honorary chairman of a business group linked to the Communist Party of China.

Hontiveros reminded the PCGA to be “extra careful” in vetting foreign nationals from countries with tensions with the Philippines. The PCG said it has since imposed stricter processes and even delisted Sy.

Sy has taken a voluntary leave of absence as chairman of Parañaque-based Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. The company maintains that he is a Filipino citizen and has filed a motion to dismiss the immigration case against him.