PCCI urges gov't to release detained mining exec

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is urging the government to release mining executive Joseph Sy, chair of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc., who remains detained by the Bureau of Immigration (BI) despite a court order for his release.

PCCI stated that Sy's continued detention undermines the national image as a destination for foreign investments.

A Regional Trial Court granted Sy's habeas corpus petition on September 4, ordering his release based on the court's finding of lack of BI jurisdiction over a Filipino citizen.

However, the BI appealed the court's decision to the Court of Appeals and spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed Sy remains in custody pending the appeal.

Sy was arrested on August 21 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, accused by BI of falsifying his Filipino citizenship and allegedly being Chinese national Chen Zhong Zhen.

This accusation contradicts prior rulings from the Department of Justice and the Supreme Court that affirmed his citizenship.