Supreme Court orders release of businessman Joseph Sy

The Supreme Court of the Philippines has ordered the release of Chinese businessman Joseph Sy from detention following a Habeas Corpus petition. The court's First Division directed his release upon the posting of a PHP 900,000 bond and instructed immigration officials to report on compliance within 24 hours.

Sy, 60, was arrested in August 2025 at Ninoy Aquino International Airport over allegations that he falsified his Filipino citizenship. He had previously served as a rear admiral in the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary Squadron before being delisted in 2025 due to citizenship questions. Senator Risa Hontiveros has linked the case to similar citizenship controversies involving other local officials.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) stated it is coordinating with the Department of Justice and the Office of the Solicitor General to implement the directive. BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado emphasized that the court's order pertains specifically to the legality of Sy's detention and does not constitute a final determination regarding his citizenship or identity.