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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Businessman Joseph Sy remains in detention -- BI

Businessman Joseph Sy remains in detention -- BI

Published Sep 7, 2025 02:54 pm
Businessman Joseph Sy, chairperson of Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc., will remain in detention despite the issuance of a writ of habeas corpus in his favor by the Taguig City regional trial court (RTC).
BI Spokesperson Dana Sandoval said on Sunday, Sept. 7, that the RTC’s order on Sy’s release is under appeal.
Sandoval said that after the BI received the RTC order on Sept. 5, the bureau lodged an online pleading with the trial court that it will file an appeal before the Court of Appeals (CA).
A writ of habeas corpus is a legal remedy against arbitrary arrest and detention.
Through the writ, a court can order a person who arrested and detained another person to bring the arrested and detained person personally before the court for judicial inquiry.
Sy, 60, was arrested by the BI upon his arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 from Hong Kong last Aug. 21. The BI found that Sy is Chinese national Chen Zhong Zhen.
During his arrest, he was found in possession of a Philippine passport that was issued in 2021 and several Philippine identity cards that showed he is a Filipino.
After his arrest, Sy was ordered detained at the BI’s facility in Taguig City. Deportation proceedings have been ordered against him.
Earlier, the BI said that based on its records Chen Zhong Zhen has been in the Philippines for decades and obtained a long-term visa through Republic Act (RA) No. 7919, the Alien Social Integration Act of 1995.
In the same statement, the BI expressed hope that the deportation case of Chen Zhong Zen will be treated with utmost diligence by the courts.
It said that while the BI respects the ruling of the RTC, it pointed out that there is strong evidence supported by BI biometric records.
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