BI to set Joseph Sy free after SC order

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Monday said it respects the Supreme Court's resolution in directing the immediate release of former Global Ferronickel Holdings, Inc. chairman Joseph Cue Sy upon compliance with the conditions set by the Court.

In a statement, BI noted that the case before the Supreme Court is an appeal in the Habeas Corpus Petition involving Sy, which only involves questions on legality of his detention, and not a determination on his citizenship.

"We are coordinating with the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to ensure the prompt and orderly implementation of the Court's directive," BI said.

"We wish to emphasize that the Supreme Court's order concerns Mr. Sy's release from custody while judicial proceedings continue. It does not constitute a final determination of the questions surrounding his citizenship and identity," the Bureau added.

BI said it acted in the exercise of its statutory mandate to investigate questions concerning immigration status, identity, and citizenship documentation.

"The legal issues arising from that investigation remain subject to judicial determination," it said.

"We will continue to coordinate with the DOJ and the OSG on the appropriate legal steps, consistent with the Supreme Court's directives," the Bureau added.