Hontiveros files Senate probe into businessman Joseph Sy's alleged dubious citizenship

Senator Risa Hontiveros is seeking a Senate probe into businessman Joseph Sy's alleged dubious Filipino citizenship, presenting evidence that he is the same individual as Chinese national Chen Zhong Zhen, also known as Shi Zhenzhong or Chen Zhenshong.

Hontiveros noted that Sy, identified as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc., was detained by Bureau of Immigration agents on August 21, 2025, for misrepresenting himself as a Filipino citizen upon arrival at NAIA.

The senator presented documents, including Sy's Philippine passport and an alien certificate of registration, which she claims indicate his Chinese nationality.

Sy had previously asserted his Filipino nationality based on an affidavit for late registration of birth executed in 2007, 41 years after his alleged birth in 1966.

Hontiveros expressed concerns regarding national security and sovereignty, suggesting Sy may be exploiting the Philippines for foreign interests and deliberately misrepresenting his nationality to bypass laws and gain privileges meant for genuine Filipinos.

She stated that Sy's actions demonstrate a clear intent to circumvent laws and obtain benefits while maintaining allegiance to a foreign state.