The Department of Foreign Affairs said it has not received any court order directing the cancellation of former lawmaker Zaldy Co’s passport. The agency explained that it can only act once a competent Philippine court issues a written directive. It cited Sections 4 and 10 of Republic Act 11983, also known as the New Philippine Passport Act, as the legal basis for this requirement.
The DFA clarified that no such instruction has reached the department so far.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed that arrest warrants were issued for Co and 17 others linked to the alleged kickback scheme involving flood control projects. Those named include individuals from the Department of Public Works and Highways and Sunwest Corp.
Co is currently abroad. His lawyer said he will not return for now because of what he described as threats to the former congressman’s life.
The developments come as investigators continue to focus on the alleged irregularities in the government’s flood control program. Authorities have not released further details on the timeline of the probe or when the DFA might receive the needed court order.
