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The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said it has not yet received a court order to cancel the passport of resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co, who faces an arrest warrant. The DFA explained that it can only act on passport cancellations when courts or competent authorities issue formal directives. The agency said it will comply once it receives the required order and confirmed that it coordinates with law enforcement and judicial institutions in handling travel documents of individuals with pending criminal cases.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced on Friday, November 21, 2025, that authorities issued arrest warrants for resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co and 17 other individuals in connection with an undisclosed case. Marcos said law enforcement agencies briefed him on the development and will coordinate to locate and arrest all respondents. He added that the government will monitor the implementation of the warrants and leave case details to the courts and investigating bodies, while directing further questions to the appropriate authorities.

A Philippine court convicted former Bamban, Tarlac mayor Alice Guo under the “organizing trafficking in persons” provision of the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, marking the first conviction under this specific section of the law. Prosecutors presented evidence on the alleged organization and management of trafficking activities in Bamban, Tarlac, which authorities investigated and brought to trial. The ruling interpreted and applied the organizing trafficking provision, imposed penalties under the statute, and added a new reference point for future human trafficking prosecutions in the Philippines.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said contractors Curlee and Sarah Discaya will likely be the next to face criminal charges in court over alleged widespread anomalies in flood control projects. He confirmed that the Department of Justice and the Office of the Ombudsman are preparing complaints against the couple as part of a broader probe into irregular infrastructure contracts. Authorities continue to review documents, project records, and testimonies and will release more details once prosecutors file the cases.

The Office of the Ombudsman filed graft and corruption charges against former lawmaker Zaldy Co and several Department of Public Works and Highways officials over alleged irregularities in flood control projects in Oriental Mindoro. Prosecutors brought the cases before the Sandiganbayan under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, citing alleged undue injury to the government and unwarranted benefits to contractors. The charge sheets detail questioned DPWH flood mitigation works, procurement procedures, and project implementation in the province. The Sandiganbayan will raffle the cases, issue notices for arraignment, and hear evidence from both the prosecution and the defense.

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced that the education sector will receive P1.28 trillion under the House-approved Fiscal Year 2026 national budget. The allocation covers key education agencies and programs, including basic and higher education, technical-vocational training, and support services such as classrooms, learning materials, and scholarships. The House of Representatives passed the spending plan after deliberations on sectoral priorities and will transmit the measure to the Senate for further review and amendments before final approval and enactment into law.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) on Friday cautioned the public and political actors against using former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co’s allegations for political gain and called for due process in addressing the issue.

Former Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co accuses President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and ex-Speaker Martin Romualdez of authorizing P100 billion in dubious budget allocations for public works in 2025. The Palace dismisses the claims as “pure hearsay.” The controversy continues amid ongoing investigations into public spending.

Former lawmaker Elizaldy Co admitted to inserting P100 billion into the national budget, citing orders from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. Co claims he is being scapegoated in the government’s anti-corruption efforts and accuses budget officials of involvement. Allegations of receiving kickbacks from flood control projects also surface, intensifying scrutiny on the handling of public funds. The incident prompts calls for investigations to ensure transparency and accountability in government spending.

Juan Ponce Enrile, a significant figure in Philippine politics, passed away at the age of 101 on November 13. Known for his lengthy career marked by both influence and controversy, his death marks the end of an era.