DFA: Court order needed to cancel Zaldy Co’s passport

MANILA, Philippines — The passport of former lawmaker Zaldy Co will only be canceled upon a lawful court order, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said.

In its Wednesday, December 3 statement, the DFA, citing the New Passport Law, said it will “carry out its mandate” once a court order to cancel Co’s passport is received.

“This process is governed by established legal criteria and is not subject to arbitrary or political considerations,” the DFA’s statement read.

On December 2, Rep. Toby Tiangco (Navotas) called on the DFA, citing a “disturbing lack of urgency” on the passport cancellation.

“Ang tagal na nating panawagan sa DFA na kanselahin ang passport ni Zaldy Co. Napakarami nang basehan na nailatag, pero ang laging sagot ng DFA ay ‘yong iisa at paulit-ulit na dahilan kung bakit ayaw nilang kumilos,” Tiangco said.

(Our call to the DFA to cancel Zaldy Co's passport has been a long-standing one. We have laid out so many justifications, but the DFA's constant reply is the same, repetitive reason why they refuse to take action.)

On November 21, the Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant against Co and 15 others over an alleged ghost project in Oriental Mindoro. Nine of the 16 individuals have already been arrested.

Authorities may request an Interpol red notice and passport cancellation upon court order. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said canceling Co’s passport would restrict his movements and travel.

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