MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) stood firm on its position that the agency is upholding due process — not defending former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co — amid mounting calls for the cancellation of his passport.
DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona stressed that the department’s actions are guided strictly by law, rejecting accusations that it was “lawyering” for Co, who faces graft allegations over controversial flood control projects.
“The criticism reflects a misunderstanding of the legal standards governing passport cancellation,” Escalona said. “Our respect for the constitutional guarantee of due process and the rule of law cannot be rewritten on a whim — the government cannot simply play ‘gotcha’ with passports.”
The statement came after Cong. Toby Tiangco questioned the DFA’s hesitation to immediately revoke Co’s passport despite public pressure.
Tiangco argued that the agency should cancel it first and let Co’s camp contest the move in court.
“Hindi ba dapat kanselahin niyo, tapos pabayaan niyo ang abogado niyang kuwestiyonin sa korte ‘yong pagkansela? Bakit parang tila baga sila pa ang nag-aabogado sa pagkansela,” Tiangco said during a media briefing.
Escalona, however, countered that the DFA’s authority to cancel passports is limited under the New Passport Law and cannot be exercised based on political or emotional appeals.
“The DFA may only act if a passport was obtained fraudulently, tampered with, issued in error, or upon a court order involving a conviction or fugitive status,” she explained.
She further challenged Tiangco to bring evidence before the courts if he believes Co’s passport should be revoked.
“If Congressman Tiangco has genuine concerns and substantive evidence, he should seek judicial relief, rather than indulge in baseless accusations. Upholding the rule of law, not rhetoric, must remain the compass of public service,” Escalona said.
Co, who resigned from Congress earlier this month, is accused of receiving commissions from irregular infrastructure projects. He reportedly left for the United States for medical treatment before the House of Representatives revoked his travel clearance./PN
