NAVOTAS Representative Toby Tiangco has again urged the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to immediately cancel the passport of resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co to ensure his return to the country and face charges over the misuse of huge amounts of public funds related to anomalous flood control projects.
Tiangco made the call as the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) issued a subpoena to Co to appear at its flood control hearing on October 14.
“The DFA should cancel Zaldy Co’s passport at once to make sure he comes back and faces the administrative and criminal charges that will be filed against him,” Tiangco said.
He warned that the DFA must act swiftly and prevent Co from using the time to apply for citizenship in another country that has no extradition treaty with the Philippines.
“Time is of the essence. Dapat pauwiin siya sa lalong madaling panahon at huwag bigyan ng oras para makakuha ng passport o citizenship sa ibang bansa. Kung magpaligoy-ligoy ang DFA at siya ay makakuha ng pasaporte sa bansang walang extradition treaty, sila ba ang mananagot dito?” he stressed.
Tiangco also noted that even former Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales supports the move to cancel Co’s passport.
“I fully support the position of former Ombudsman Carpio-Morales. Pauwiin na kaagad si Zaldy Co. Ngayong may subpoena na mula sa ICI, wala nang dahilan para hindi kanselahin ang kanyang passport. Ang pinag-uusapan dito ay napakalaking pera ng taong-bayan,” he said.
