NAVOTAS City Rep. Toby Tiangco is urging the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to cancel the passport of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, arguing that the DFA has the power and the legal basis to do so.
Tiangco stated, “Kung gusto may paraan, kung ayaw may dahilan” (If there’s a will, there’s a way; if there’s no will, there’s an excuse). He cited Article III, Section 6 of the Constitution, which states that the right to travel is not absolute and can be restricted in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, without the need for a court order. He also pointed out that the Administrative Code empowers the DFA Secretary to cancel passports for these reasons.
Tiangco asserted that the DFA has the law, the power, and the means to act. He argued that if the DFA is truly an ally of justice, it should cancel Co’s passport. He emphasized that this is not a “whim” but an action for national security.
Tiangco warned the DFA not to test the public’s anger, stating that the public will not accept a situation where only DPWH officials and contractors are imprisoned, while lawmakers are safe and enjoying themselves abroad.
