THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has strongly refuted remarks made by Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco, who accused the agency of “lawyering” for former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co by not canceling his passport.
The DFA emphasized that Republic Act 11983, the new passport law, only allows the cancellation or revocation of a passport in specific instances, such as when there is a court order following a criminal conviction or when the holder is a fugitive from justice.
The agency stated that this process is governed by legal criteria and not subject to arbitrary or political considerations, adding that respect for due process and the rule of law cannot be disregarded.
Tiangco argued that the DFA could invoke Section 4 of RA 11983 pertaining to “national security” to cancel Co’s passport, citing public anger and potential government destabilization.
He questioned why the DFA seemed to be “lawyering” for Co. In response, the DFA stated that Tiangco’s accusation reflects a misunderstanding of the legal standards governing passport cancellation and advised him to seek judicial relief if he has genuine concerns and substantive evidence, rather than making baseless accusations. The DFA concluded by stating that upholding the rule of law, not rhetoric, must remain the compass of public service.
