The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has clarified that no court order has been issued for the cancellation of the passport belonging to suspended lawyer Zaldy Co, who is currently abroad and facing corruption charges.
Legal Requirements for Passport Cancellation
In an official statement released on Friday evening, November 21, 2025, the DFA emphasized that they can only process the cancellation of a Philippine passport upon receipt of a court order issued by a competent Philippine court specifically instructing them to do so. This position is firmly grounded in Sections 4 and 10 of Republic Act 11983, commonly known as the New Philippine Passport Act.
The department explicitly stated: "As of this time, the Department has not received such an order" regarding Zaldy Co's travel document. This clarification comes amid growing public interest in the case.
Arrest Warrants and Corruption Allegations
The situation gained significant attention when President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed on Friday that arrest warrants have been issued against Co and 17 other individuals. The charges stem from corruption allegations involving government-led flood control projects.
Those named in the warrants include officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways and representatives from Sunwest Corp. The corruption case has raised concerns about the integrity of public infrastructure projects in the country.
Co's Current Status and Position
Zaldy Co remains outside the Philippines, and through his legal counsel, he has indicated that he has no immediate plans to return to the country. His lawyer has cited alleged threats to Co's life as the primary reason for his decision to remain abroad.
This development presents a complex legal challenge for authorities seeking to bring Co back to face the corruption charges. The absence of a court-ordered passport cancellation means Co technically retains the ability to travel using his current passport, though his legal predicament continues to evolve.
