Mining Exec Defends Joseph Sy’s Filipino Citizenship
SAN FRANCISCO, Agusan del Sur — The top executive of a mining firm has firmly defended Joseph Sy’s Filipino citizenship amid allegations of fraudulent nationality. Lawyer Dante Bravo, president of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc., which operates Platinum Group Metals Corp. in Claver, Surigao del Norte, emphasized Sy’s legitimate status as a Filipino citizen.
“His documents are valid and legitimate. They were acquired lawfully,” Bravo stated, rejecting accusations that Sy’s citizenship is fraudulent. The mining exec’s strong stance highlights the ongoing controversy surrounding Sy’s identity.
Background of the Citizenship Allegations
Senator Risa Hontiveros has raised serious concerns over Sy’s citizenship and his honorary role in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA). Sy, allegedly also known as Chen Zhong Zhen, was arrested on August 21 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport following complaints challenging his Filipino citizenship.
Authorities reported that Sy’s fingerprints matched those of a Chinese national who previously held a long-term visa and an Alien Certificate of Registration Identity Card. This discovery has sparked suspicions that Sy may have assumed Filipino identity without proper naturalization.
Honorary Position Raises Security Concerns
In 2018, Sy was appointed to the PCGA Executive Squadron with the honorary rank of Auxiliary Commodore. Senator Hontiveros highlighted this appointment, suggesting it could have granted Sy access to sensitive information, thereby raising national security concerns.
She compared Sy’s case to that of Alice Guo, the former mayor of Bamban, Tarlac, who was involved in falsifying citizenship and illicit activities. These parallels have intensified public scrutiny on Sy’s citizenship claims.
Executive Defense and Legal Standpoints
Dante Bravo described Sy’s arrest as “unlawful” and his detention as “illegal,” reaffirming Sy’s status as a legitimate Filipino. He pointed out that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) previously affirmed Sy’s citizenship and ruled that Sy did not violate the Anti-Dummy Law.
Bravo also criticized the Bureau of Immigration for inconsistent actions in detaining Sy despite earlier rulings recognizing his citizenship. He acknowledged that Sy has faced complaints, particularly from rivals contesting royalty claims after their company took over PGMC’s mining operations.
Industry Support and Calls for Release
Bravo’s defense aligns with the Philippine Nickel Industries Association (PNIA), where he also serves as president. The PNIA has called for Sy’s immediate release, arguing that his constitutional rights are being violated and warning that the case could damage investor confidence in the Philippines.
In a statement, PNIA asserted that the charges against Sy lack legal foundation and urged authorities to free him promptly. This stance reflects broader industry concerns over the implications of the case on mining investments.
About Joseph Sy and Global Ferronickel Holdings
Joseph Sy has been chairman of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc., a publicly listed mining company in the Philippines, since August 2015. He also chairs PGMC, a subsidiary engaged in nickel mining. The company plays a significant role in the nickel export sector, making the citizenship issue particularly crucial for its operations.
For more news and updates on mining citizenship controversies, visit Filipinokami.com.
