Taguig RTC orders again release of mining exec Joseph Sy

The Taguig Regional Trial Court has reiterated its order for the release of mining executive Joseph Sy, chair of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. (FNI), urging authorities to comply with the earlier ruling.

This comes after the court granted FNI's motion for execution pending appeal and admission to post bond, citing the Bureau of Immigration's (BI) failure to execute the original habeas corpus ruling.

The BI had detained Sy, whom they allege is Chinese citizen Chen Zhong Zhen, on August 21 at NAIA Terminal 3, accusing him of falsifying his Filipino citizenship.

This is despite prior rulings from the Department of Justice and the Supreme Court affirming Sy's citizenship.

FNI stated that the court's latest ruling serves as a judicial affirmation that Sy's continued detention lacked legal basis and upholds his rights as a Filipino citizen.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) has backed Sy's release, warning that his continued detention despite court orders could damage investor confidence.

Sy has been compared to former Bamban mayor Alice Guo, who is also alleged to be a Chinese spy.