17/10/2025
Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco on Friday expressed confusion over why some government officials appear to be defending the continued validity of former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co’s passport, despite his being abroad and under public scrutiny.
During a press briefing on October 17, Tiangco said it seemed as if officials were “lawyering” for Co instead of exercising their authority to act.
"Ang sinasabi ko doon sa DFA, may kapangyarihan naman silang kanselahin yung passport eh. Ngayon, ang hindi ko maintindihan, bakit tila DFA o yung ibang mga nasa gobyerno ang nagdedepensa pa kay Zaldy Co kung bakit hindi pwedeng kanselahin yung passport?" said Tiangco.
The lawmaker urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to use its power to revoke the passport if there is sufficient reason to do so. He stressed that the government should not appear to be protecting any individual under investigation or facing controversy.
