Embattled businessman Joseph Cue Sy appeared before the Senate on Monday, December 15 for the first time since being accused of falsifying his Filipino citizenship.
Sy, chairman of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc., is alleged to be Chinese national Chen Zhong Zhen or Shi Zhenzong, based on fingerprint analysis by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
During the hearing, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros, chair of the Subcommittee on Justice and Human Rights, questioned Sy about his identity, including his birthplace and upbringing. Sy invoked his right against self-incrimination.
“My ongoing case is in CA (Court of Appeals), so pasensiya na po na as I can invoke to my right to remain silent kasi may kaso na eh. Pasensiya na,” he said.
Hontiveros criticized his refusal: “Saang mundo ba masama sabihin sa whether sa hearing ng komite ng Senado or sa korte for that matter, itong mga basic facts na ito? Medyo fantastic yung stretch na iyon.”
BI Commissioner Joel Viado confirmed that Sy is not a Filipino. He noted that Sy was arrested on August 21, 2025 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport for misrepresenting his citizenship and violating immigration rules.
“Mayroon hong admission si Mr. Chon Zhen Zhong (sic) on record na siya is si Joseph Sy. One and the same person,” Viado said.
NICA Director Ferlu Silvio described Sy’s case as a “potential national security consideration that warrants closed and sustained attention,” citing multiple legal and administrative proceedings, including deportation.
Hontiveros said the committee plans to subpoena Sy’s son, Johnson Chua Sy, for their next hearing after he failed to attend. Johnson reportedly has conflicting birth certificates—one listing his father as Chinese, another as Filipino citizen Joseph Sy.