MANILA, Philippines – The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) may cancel or revoke a passport upon grounds provided by the law, and should undergo “due process”.

This is the DFA’s response to Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco, when he questioned why the department is still not cancelling the passport of resigned Ako Bicol Partylist Congressman Elizaldy "Zaldy" Co.

In his statement to media after meeting with the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) last Friday, Tiangco also alleged that the DFA seems to be “defending” and “lawyering” for Co, regarding the ghost flood control projects controversy.

As a response, the DFA said that Tiangco may have misunderstood the legal standards concerning passport cancellation.

The department explained that the DFA may cancel or revoke a passport only upon grounds expressly provided by the law.

“Under the New Passport Law, the DFA may cancel or revoke a passport only upon grounds expressly provided by law, such as passport acquired fraudulently, tampered with, or issued erroneously, or upon orders of the court when the holder has been convicted of a criminal offense or fugitive from justice. This process is governed by established legal criteria and is not subject to arbitrary or political considerations,” the DFA stated.

It also emphasized that the Constitution guarantees “due process” and that the rule of law cannot be rewritten on a whim.

Tiangco earlier filed an ethics complaint against Co for allegedly violating the Constitution, the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials Employees, and House Rules.

He cited Section 4 of Republic Act (RA) 11983 or the Philippine Passport Act for the motu proprio passport cancellation.