MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, said the Philippine government has cancelled the passport of resigned Ako Bicol party-list representative Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, as authorities expand efforts to locate the former lawmaker wanted in connection with flood control corruption cases.
In a video posted on his official social media accounts, Marcos said: “I can report to you that Zaldy Co’s passport has been cancelled.” He added that he has instructed the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Philippine National Police to coordinate with Philippine embassies worldwide to prevent Co from using foreign jurisdictions to avoid legal proceedings. Embassies, he said, have been told to report immediately if Co appears in their areas of assignment.
Calls for cancellation and why the DFA could not act sooner
For weeks, lawmakers and segments of the public had urged the government to cancel Co’s passport, arguing that it would restrict his international movements. Despite this pressure, the Department of Foreign Affairs consistently explained that under the Philippine Passport Act, it cannot cancel a passport without a court order or a formally transmitted legal basis.
DFA officials said the agency must follow due process, which requires receiving certified warrants or lawful instructions from competent authorities. Acting without these documents risked violating procedural safeguards or jeopardizing ongoing cases. Marcos’ announcement on December 10 indicated that the necessary legal basis had finally been completed and transmitted to the DFA, allowing the cancellation to proceed.
The cases that led to the warrants
Co resigned from the House of Representatives in September after the Office of the Ombudsman filed cases alleging irregularities in flood control projects. Investigators have alleged that certain public works projects were incomplete or not implemented as reported.
The Sandiganbayan later issued warrants of arrest for Co and several co-respondents. Authorities have reported multiple arrests, while others remain at large. The allegations against Co remain unproven and will be resolved in court.
Co has denied wrongdoing in public statements and has said he left the country due to threats to his safety. Before resigning, he submitted a medical note explaining his travel. He previously stepped down as chair of the House Committee on Appropriations in early 2025.
DFA’s position and remaining questions
Before December 10, the DFA said it had not yet received the documents required to act on Co’s passport. Marcos did not specify which court directive or legal basis supported the cancellation, nor did he state when the DFA formally implemented it. As of Wednesday, the DFA had not issued a new public statement confirming operational details or notifications to foreign governments.
What the cancellation means for enforcement
The cancellation restricts Co’s ability to travel or obtain immigration clearance abroad. The Philippine National Police has said coordination with foreign partners is underway, particularly in locations where Co is believed to have traveled.
Any return to the Philippines would follow established legal procedures. These include voluntary appearance, arrest by foreign authorities based on Philippine warrants, or possible extradition depending on treaties in force.
A broader test for anti-corruption efforts
The investigation involving Co has become one of the most closely watched corruption cases under the Marcos administration. It tests the government’s capacity to pursue high-profile individuals while maintaining due process.
