The Philippines Bureau of Immigration recently announced that it has initiated deportation proceedings against well-known nickel businessman and chairman of Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc., Joseph Sy, accusing him of falsifying Filipino citizenship. Joseph Sy is currently detained at the immigration detention facility in the new military camp in Taoyi City.
Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval stated that the arrest was based on his biometric information highly matching that of a Chinese citizen, and pointed out that the case might exceed ordinary identity disputes, involving national security and even "behind-the-scenes protectors." She revealed that the investigation has targeted some influential figures, and any assistance or cover-up will be further investigated.
Global Ferronickel, the company where Joseph Sy works, firmly denies the accusations, stating that he holds a valid Filipino passport, and multiple government rulings have already confirmed his citizenship. The company's statement emphasized the lack of legal basis for the arrest and pointed out that Joseph Sy has always operated legally with no criminal record. The Philippine Nickel Industry Association also supported, calling the arrest "unjust and unfair," and mentioned that Joseph Sy had been recognized as a Filipino in previous immigration cases.
The Bureau of Immigration responded that this investigation is different from the past, supported by the government intelligence department's provision of his Chinese name and biometric data, making the evidence more substantial. Sandoval pointed out that if both parents are foreigners, one cannot naturally acquire Filipino nationality and must go through a naturalization process, which Joseph Sy has never applied for or completed.
The Philippine Stock Exchange is currently closely monitoring the progress of the event, assessing whether to take corresponding measures against Joseph Sy and his listed company. If his identity fraud is ultimately confirmed, Joseph Sy could not only be stripped of his nationality and deported to China, but it could also have a significant impact on the structure of the Philippine nickel mining industry.
