MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday questioned Chinese-Filipino businessman Joseph Sy over his citizenship, mining company shareholdings, and involvement in organizations linked to China’s Belt and Road Initiative during a Senate committee hearing.

Hontiveros raised concerns about the nationalization of the mining industry in the Philippines, asking whether Sy, whose citizenship has been disputed, holds shares in his mining company in compliance with constitutional limits on foreign ownership.

“Kung mapatunayan na hindi Filipino si Joseph Cue Sy, ano pong magiging epekto sa mga kumpanya niya at hindi ba’t ang kumpanya niya sa pagmimina ay nationalized industry po?” Hontiveros asked.

In response, DOJ State Counsel Dennis Chan and Assistant Solicitor General Panga explained that foreigners may own up to 40% of a mining company, and exceeding this limit could trigger government action, including reversion of shares to qualified Filipino citizens or forfeiture of assets. Chan noted that certain agreements, such as the Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement (FTAA), allow full foreign participation, though their constitutionality has been contested.

“If we presume Mr. Sy is holding 60% shares in a mining company and because of that he was considered as a Filipino by the DENR for which he was given the appropriate mining permit, then if his citizenship is in question, it now happens that the company is now recognized as a foreign entity, then the permit that that company obtained would have to be cancelled or revoked,” Chan said.

Hontiveros also asked about Sy’s role as Honorary Chair of the Philippine Silk Road International Chamber of Commerce (PSRICC), whose mission aligns with China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Sy denied awareness of the organization’s mission and involvement in a 2021 summit organized by the Chinese Communist Party. Hontiveros challenged these claims, citing photos and website statements.

Regarding Sy’s citizenship, Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado confirmed that Sy is a Chinese national under the name Chen Zhong Zhen, and that immigration records, including an alien certificate of registration and permanent resident status, list him as Chinese-born in Fujian on March 29, 1965. Viado said evidence of Sy’s citizenship will be provided to the committee.

Hontiveros noted that this raises potential legal implications, including violations of the Anti-Dummy Law, and could affect mining permits issued to Sy’s companies. Viado added that proceedings are pending at the Court of Appeals regarding Sy’s status.

“Just the fact na sinabi niyo na sa lower court na may dalawang passport si Mr. Sy, that should already have rung alarm bells in the minds of the court with all due respect,” Hontiveros said.

The hearing highlighted ongoing scrutiny over Sy’s legal compliance with Philippine laws governing citizenship, foreign participation in nationalized industries, and corporate governance.