The Department of Foreign Affairs on Friday, in a statement issued in Manila, said it still awaits a court order to cancel the passport of resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co, who faces an arrest warrant, and explained how the absence of such an order currently prevents the agency from taking action.
The DFA said its consular offices process passport cancellations in cases involving criminal proceedings only when courts or competent authorities issue specific written directives.
The DFA added that it will implement any lawful order from the courts once it receives the necessary documentation regarding Co’s passport.
The agency said it coordinates with law enforcement and judicial bodies in cases that involve travel documents of individuals with pending criminal cases.
The DFA said it continues to monitor official communications from the judiciary related to requests for passport cancellation or restriction.