The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clarified that it cannot cancel passports without specific court orders, responding to Rep. Toby Tiangco’s claim that the agency was protecting former congressman Zaldy Co by not canceling his passport.
The DFA explained that under the New Passport Law, passport cancellation is allowed only for specific legal reasons, such as fraud or a court order following a criminal conviction.
The agency emphasized that passport cancellation must follow legal procedures and cannot be done arbitrarily or for political reasons.
The DFA urged Tiangco to seek judicial relief if he has evidence instead of making baseless accusations.
Meanwhile, Tiangco argued that the DFA secretary has the authority to cancel passports without a court order in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 19, 2025
DFA CLARIFIES IT IS NOT PROVIDING LEGAL AID TO ZALDY CO
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