Manila, Philippines – Senate Deputy Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros has called for a thorough investigation into the case of businessman Joseph Sy, who allegedly used a false Filipino identity.
In her privilege speech, Hontiveros stressed that while she is open to business and investments in the country, these should never come at the expense of the rule of law, nor allow foreigners pretending to be Filipinos to slip through the system.
This came after warnings that the mining industry could collapse following Sy’s arrest.
According to documents from the Bureau of Immigration (BI), Sy’s fingerprints matched those of a Chinese national who applied under Republic Act 7919, also known as the Alien Social Integration Act.
Hontiveros maintained that Joseph Sy and Chen Zhong Zhen, also known as Shi Zhenzhong, are the same person.
The senator further raised alarm over Sy’s links to the Philippine Silk Road International Chamber of Commerce, which is allegedly connected to the Communist Party of China and its One Belt, One Road initiative.
Hontiveros also slammed Sy’s mining operations, including Ipilan Nickel Corporation in Palawan and Platinum Group Metals Corporation in Surigao del Norte, which have been accused of illegal logging, pollution, and unsafe mining practices.
At the same time, the senator questioned who should be held accountable for the registration of Sy’s delayed birth certificate, and how he was granted positions in institutions linked to national security.
Hontiveros underscored that it is high time to close the loopholes in the system and put an end to favoritism, saying the dignity of the Republic is at stake.—Reymon Montero, Contributor