Global Ferronickel chair Joseph Sy goes on leave to resolve citizenship issues
MANILA, Philippines — The chairman of Global Ferronickel Holdings Inc. (FNI), Joseph Sy, is taking a voluntary leave of absence to address matters concerning his citizenship, the company said.
In a disclosure on Wednesday, Aug. 28, the company’s board of directors approved the leave, effective as of Aug. 27, 2025.
“This decision reflects the Board’s commitment to allowing Mr. Sy to focus on resolving his personal legal matters while safeguarding the best interests of the Company and its stakeholders,” FNI said in a statement.
The firm’s board also elected Dante Bravo, FNI’s current president, as the new chairman.
“Mr. Bravo will serve in both roles, with his performance and dual capacity to be reviewed annually by the Board and the Corporate Governance Committee,” the firm said.
To promote independent oversight, the firm’s board also created the position of vice chairman, with Jaime Del Rosario elected to the role.
According to FNI, the vice chairman will provide additional governance checks and act as an intermediary, leading meetings for non-executive directors and helping evaluate the chairman’s performance.
Sy was arrested by the Bureau of Immigration on August 21 as he arrived from China after his biometrics matched those of a Chinese citizen. He was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, coming from Hong Kong.
The businessman’s firm sought his release, noting that Sy holds a valid Philippine passport.
The Philippine Nickel Industry Association criticized the arrest as unjust, stating that Sy’s Filipino citizenship had been proven in a prior immigration case.
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