MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros expressed alarm over the admission of mining businessman Joseph Sy, also known as Chen Zhong Zhen or Shi Zhenzhong, into the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary (PCGA) despite questions about his citizenship.

In a privilege speech, Hontiveros cited Bureau of Immigration findings showing Sy’s fingerprints matched those of Chinese national Chen Zhong Zhen, who was earlier granted an Alien Certificate of Registration under the Alien Social Integration Act.

“Hindi ba tayo kinikilabutan na sa gitna ng tensyon natin sa China, may isang tulad ni Joseph Sy, a foreign national masquerading as Filipino, ang may access, kahit pa social access lang, sa mismong PCG?” Hontiveros said.

She said Sy was admitted to the PCGA in 2018 and even gained the honorary rank of Auxiliary Commodore.

The senator also linked Sy to the Philippine Silk Road International Chamber of Commerce, which she said has ties to China’s Communist Party and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Hontiveros urged the Senate to investigate Sy’s dual identity, his entry into the Coast Guard Auxiliary, and his role in mining operations in Palawan and Surigao del Norte.

“The Philippines is not for sale. Our flag is not for sale. Being a Filipino is not for sale,” she said.