DFA may only revoke passport if it's fraudulently obtained, if ordered by court

The Department of Foreign Affairs on Thursday said it can only revoke a passport if there is a court order or it has been fraudulently obtained.

DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona issued the statement amid calls for the agency to cancel the passport of resigned Ako Bicol partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, who has been accused of receiving large amounts of kickbacks from flood control projects.

Co was last reported to be in the United States for medical treatment.

"In accordance with the New Philippine Passport Act, the Department of Foreign Affairs may cancel a Philippine passport only upon the issuance of a court order when the holder is a fugitive from justice or convicted of a criminal offense; or when there is proof that a passport was acquired fraudulently, tampered with, or issued erroneously," Escalona said.

The Philippine Passport Act also states that the cancellation of a passport in the interest of national security, public security and public safety, and public health would have to go through a process.

Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco urged the DFA to act swiftly and take steps to cancel Co's passport to compel him to return home or prevent him from seeking refuge in a country with which the Philippines does not have an extradition treaty.

Co, who headed the House Appropriations Committee during the 19th Congress, resigned as a member of the House of Representatives following allegations of his involvement in widespread irregularities in government flood control projects.

Co has denied receiving public funds and earlier declared that he planned to return to the country to clear his name. –NB, GMA Integrated News