Bicol Saro Party-list Representative and House Committee on Infrastructure Chairperson Terry Ridon issued a statement regarding the Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) decision to cancel the passports of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co and former Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque.
In an X post on Saturday, October 18, Ridon stressed that the DFA has no authority to revoke anyone’s passport without a court order.
“Kahit sino pa yan, si Zaldy Co man o si Harry Roque, hindi pwedeng magkansela ng pasaporte ang DFA nang walang court order. Wala sa Konstitusyon, wala sa Passport Act,” he said.
Ridon further explained that the Passport Act clearly outlines the proper legal procedure that must be followed before any cancellation can be made.
“Para maproseso ang pagkakansela ng mga pasaporte nilang dalawa, kailangan lang sundin ang proseso sa Passport Act — kasuhan si Zaldy Co at ipatupad ang arrest warrant ni Harry Roque,” he added.
Earlier, Navotas City Lone District Representative Toby Tiangco questioned the DFA for allegedly protecting Co, noting that the agency has yet to cancel his passport despite pending issues.
In response, the DFA clarified that under the New Passport Law, passport cancellation or revocation can only be done on specific legal grounds.
“Under the New Passport Law, the DFA may cancel or revoke a passport only upon grounds expressly provided by law, such as passport acquired fraudulently, tampered with, or issued erroneously, or upon orders of the court when the holder has been convicted of a criminal offense or fugitive from justice,” the department said.
The DFA also emphasized that its actions follow due process and are not influenced by political or arbitrary factors.
“This process is governed by established legal criteria and is not subject to arbitrary or political considerations,” the agency added.