Senator Risa Hontiveros Courtesy: Senate of the Philippines
DEPUTY Minority Leader Risa Hontiveros delivered a privilege speech raising concerns about businessman Joseph Sy, alleging that he misrepresented himself as a Filipino citizen.
Hontiveros called for an investigation into Sy’s registration as a Filipino citizen, his involvement in the country’s mining industry, and his appointment in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Auxiliary.
“The Philippines is not for sale. Our flag is not for sale. Being a Filipino is not for sale,” Hontiveros declared.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) announced on Tuesday that it has delisted a “Filipino-Chinese” businessman from its Auxiliary unit due to misrepresentation of his citizenship following concerns raised by Senator Risa Hontiveros regarding the enlisting of Joseph Sy in the PCG Auxiliary, with Hontiveros drawing parallels to the case of ousted Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo.
“With the recent development, he has been delisted immediately from the PCGA roster of members and shall henceforth be unauthorized to present himself as a PCGA member, wear the PCGA uniform, and use the auxiliary rank,” said Captain Lejanie Dy, Deputy Chief of Coast Guard Staff for Civil Relations Service (CG-7), in a statement.
The CG-7 cited verified reports of Sy’s misrepresentation of his citizenship as the reason for the delisting, stating that this constitutes a serious breach of law, trust, and a violation of the agency’s core values. The PCG emphasized that Sy’s conduct had discredited the name and integrity of the PCGA, the PCG’s civilian volunteer arm.
The PCG clarified that Sy’s application to the PCGA Executive Squadron in 2018 went through the proper process and was duly endorsed.
He was not considered for delisting in the past due to his presented proof of Filipino citizenship and good standing in the community. The PCG also emphasized that the PCGA’s involvement is limited to civic activities and that the Auxiliary unit does not participate in maritime operations or have access to critical installations.
PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan has directed strong coordination with other agencies to cleanse its ranks and strengthen membership requirements for the PCGA.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has confirmed that Sy is the same individual as Chen Zhong Zhen, a Chinese citizen arrested for misrepresenting himself as a Filipino. Meanwhile, the Philippine Nickel Industry Association (PNIA) has called for Sy’s release, asserting his Filipino citizenship.
