Alice Guo 2.0? Mining exec detained by BI

Authorities may be dealing with another security risk with the arrest of businessman Joseph Sy, a "Filipino-Chinese" executive accused of using fraudulent documents to secure Filipino citizenship and even a post in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA), Sen. Risa Hontiveros said yesterday.

- — With Alden Monzon

However, two mining industry associations have denounced Sy's arrest and called for his immediate release.

In a statement, Hontiveros likened Sy's case to that of dismissed Tarlac town mayor Alice Guo, whose fraudulent citizenship records enabled her to run for mayor and even win.

Guo is currently detained at the Pasig City Jail for multiple cases of money laundering in connection with her alleged business interests in illegal Philippine offshore gaming operations in Bamban, Tarlac where she had served as mayor.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has detained Sy, who chairs Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc., for possession of fake passports and identification cards.

"This is Alice Guo Part 2: disguised as a Filipino, with fake passport and fake ID. Seems like there are still loopholes in the processing of nationality," she said.

"Although joining the PCGA is voluntary and it's non-government, it's sad to think that Sy may have been given access to people or events where national security was usually discussed," she said.

The senator said Sy became part of the PCGA in 2018 and received an honorary rank under the previous administration. She expressed alarm that someone facing questions about his citizenship could get close to sensitive institutions.