Manila, Oct. 12 -- The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the release from detention of a Chinese businessman who was arrested in August 2025 over charges that he falsified his Filipino citizenship.

The high court's First Division ordered Joseph Sy's release upon the posting of a PHP900,000 bond on his behalf.

The SC also tasked immigration officials to report to the court on their compliance within 24 hours upon the release of the 60-year-old Sy.

Sy became a member of the Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary Squadron in 2018 and held the rank of rear admiral. He was later delisted in 2025 following questions over his citizenship.

On Aug. 21, 2025, Sy was arrested at Ninoy Aquino International Airport over accusations of holding false Philipp...