BI: SC order on Joseph Sy does not determine citizenship

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday clarified that the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision directing the release of mining tycoon Joseph Sy does not constitute a determination of his citizenship.

It explained that the case before the SC is an appeal in a habeas corpus petition involving Sy and “only involves questions on the legality of his detention, and not a determination on his citizenship.”

Sy was arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport last year upon arriving from Hong Kong. The BI alleged that he was a Chinese national named Cheng Zhong Zhen who had illegally obtained Philippine citizenship documents.

READ: BI: Joseph Sy to be returned to detention after medical clearance

“We are coordinating with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to ensure the prompt and orderly implementation of the Court’s directive,” it said in a statement.

However, it emphasized that the SC’s order “concerns Mr. Sy’s release from custody while judicial proceedings continue” and “does not constitute a final determination of the questions surrounding his citizenship and identity.”

The BI pointed out that it acted in the exercise of its statutory mandate to investigate questions concerning immigration status, identity and citizenship documentation.

“The legal issues arising from that investigation remain subject to judicial determination,” it said, adding that it would continue to coordinate with the DOJ and OSG on the appropriate legal steps, consistent with the SC’s directives. /mcm