Manila: Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. chairperson Joseph Sy is facing a deportation complaint for supposed falsification of his Filipino citizenship, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Wednesday. A deportation case is under process against the 60-year-old businessman, who was arrested by the BI at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Aug. 21 after his biometrics matched those of a Chinese citizen, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said in a radio interview.

According to Philippines News Agency, the BI is still in the initial stages of Sy’s deportation case. Sandoval mentioned that they are also investigating whether Sy has other pending cases in the country. This is crucial as citizenship issues could lead to further questioning of his documents under the Philippine Passport Act. Sandoval recalled that a deportation complaint was filed against Sy in 2015, but it did not progress due to insufficient evidence.

Sandoval clarified the legal requirements for obtaining Filipino citizenship, stating that a foreign national must be naturalized to become Filipino. She pointed out that Sy’s claim of being a natural-born Filipino is false, as he is not even a naturalized citizen. The BI has extended its investigation to include Sy’s family members, checking their nationality status to ensure compliance with Philippine laws.