NAVOTAS Representative Toby Tiangco slammed the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for its “disturbing lack of urgency” in suspending the passport of resigned Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co.
“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.
“Dito mo makikita na pag gusto, may paraan, pag ayaw, maraming dahilan.” he added.
Tiangco made the statement after DFA confirmed that Co’s passport remains active pending the receipt of a court order.
“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,” he said.
Tiangco, who was the first lawmaker to link Co to the flood control scam, stressed that the DFA must act swiftly amid reports that Co may already hold a Portuguese passport and golden visa.
“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,” he said.
“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.
