The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that it can only cancel the passport of former Congressman Zaldy Co if a court orders it, in accordance with the New Passport Law.

In the Department's official statement issued on December 3, the DFA said it “is always committed to assist in the pursuit of justice by fully complying with all lawful processes.”

The agency stressed that under the law, it is authorized to cancel Co’s passport “only upon receipt of a court order.” It added that once such an order is received, “the DFA will carry out its mandate.”

The department also emphasized that the process “is governed by established legal criteria and is not subject to arbitrary or political considerations.”

Co's passport cancellation issue arises as he is among those facing charges over alleged irregularities involving a ₱289.5 million flood-control (or “road dike/flood control”) project in Oriental Mindoro — reportedly substandard or anomalous.