Navotas City Lone District Representative Toby Tiangco once again criticized the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for its alleged slow action on canceling the passport of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co.
Tiangco issued the remark after the DFA confirmed that Co’s passport remains active because it has not yet received a court order authorizing the cancellation.
“Ang tagal na nating panawagan sa DFA na kanselahin ang passport ni Zaldy Co. Napakarami nang basehan na nailatag, pero ang laging sagot ng DFA ay ‘yong iisa at paulit-ulit na dahilan kung bakit ayaw nilang kumilos,” he said.
He added, “Dito mo makikita na pag gusto, may paraan, pag ayaw, maraming dahilan. Mismong Pangulo na ang nagsabi na kakanselahin ang passport ni Zaldy Co once the cases are filed against him. Patong-patong na ang kaso laban sa kanya, pero ang DFA, tila natutulog sa pansitan at manhid sa galit ng taumbayan.”
Tiangco has long been urging the DFA to revoke Co’s passport to compel him to return to the Philippines and face allegations tied to budget insertions and the flood control controversy.
He also raised concerns aired by the DILG: “Ayon kay DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, maaaring may hawak nang Portuguese passport itong si Zaldy Co. Kaya hindi natin maintindihan kung bakit ayaw pang kumilos ng DFA.”
Tiangco stressed the importance of Co’s presence in the probe.
“Alam nating lahat kung gaano kahalaga si Zaldy Co sa imbestigasyon ng maanomalyang flood control projects. Kaya nararapat lang na mapauwi natin siya agad para harapin ang hustisya,” he added.