Manila: Speaker Faustino 'Bojie' Dy III revealed that he immediately sought the intervention of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to cancel the passport of former Ako Bicol Representative Rizaldy Co following his resignation from the House of Representatives on September 29.

According to Philippines News Agency, Dy disclosed during a radio interview that he promptly contacted then-Justice Secretary and current Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla to request swift action to restrict Co's travel abroad. This move comes amid investigations into alleged irregularities in public works projects linked to Co. Dy emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that after receiving Co's resignation letter, he sought the fastest means to limit Co's movements by canceling his passport, cooperating immediately with the DOJ.

Dy explained that while the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) holds the authority to formally cancel passports, the House sought the DOJ's assistance due to its oversight of the Bureau of Immigration, which could expedite the coordination process. He mentioned that Remulla assured him of taking immediate action to cancel Co's passport.

Additionally, Dy noted that while the DOJ has been requested to coordinate, communication with the DFA may have already commenced. Co had indicated in his last letter to the House that he was leaving for medical treatment in the United States, but Dy acknowledged receiving reports suggesting that Co might now be in Europe.

Should Co return to the Philippines, whether voluntarily or otherwise, Dy stated that his case would likely fall under the jurisdiction of the DOJ or the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), which is spearheading the investigation into the alleged irregularities in public works and flood-control projects.