November 22, 2025 | 1:20pm
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it has yet to receive a court order to cancel resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co’s passport, limiting the agency from taking any action.
In a statement on Friday, November 21, the DFA said it can only proceed with cancellation “upon receipt of a court order issued by a competent Philippine court instructing the DFA to cancel a Philippine passport,” in accordance with Sections 4 and 10 of RA 11983, or the New Philippine Passport Act.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier confirmed that the Sandiganbayan has issued arrest warrants against Co and 17 others in connection with an anomalous flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.
In a video posted on his Facebook page, Marcos ordered authorities to immediately enforce the warrants.
“Let’s not delay this any longer. Arrest them now. Make sure it is done quickly and correctly. The wheels of justice are turning,” Marcos said.
He added that the cases are based on “solid evidence” and assured that no special treatment would be given to the accused.
The DFA said that it will comply with any valid court order but has not yet received one, meaning Co’s passport remains active.
Co, who left the Philippines in August, is the only accused confirmed to be abroad. His exact location remains unknown.
The other accused include DPWH officials such as Region IV-B director Gerald Pacanan, assistant regional directors Gene Ryan Altea and Ruben Santos Jr., various division chiefs, engineers, accountants and members of the Sunwest Corp. board, allegedly co-owned by Co.
The cases stem from the P289.5 million flood control project along Mag-Asawang Tubig River in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, which was implemented by DPWH Region IV-B.
Plunder, graft raps recommended vs Co, Romualdez
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) had recently recommended the filing of plunder, graft and direct bribery charges against Co and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
The referral followed Marcos’ directive for both agencies to submit all evidence gathered in their investigation of questionable flood control projects to the Ombudsman. Marcos said the office would determine whether to file plunder, anti-graft, or bribery cases based on the evidence.
The joint referral cited contracts from Sunwest Inc. and Hi-Tone Construction between 2016 and 2025, as well as sworn testimony from retired Sgt. Orly Guteza, Co’s former security aide, who claimed he delivered 35 suitcases of cash to Romualdez. However, the affidavit’s credibility was challenged when the notary involved disowned the document.
Romualdez, Marcos’ first cousin, has denied any wrongdoing, saying that no credible evidence has linked him to irregularities and expressing confidence in the Ombudsman’s impartial review. He added that he has consistently cooperated with previous hearings and remained in the country.
Co, who has earlier confirmed through his lawyer that he will not return soon due to alleged threats to his life, remains at large while authorities prepare to enforce the warrants against him and the other accused. — with reports from Cristina Chi