Manila: Malaca±ang on Friday condemned Vice President Sara Duterte's 'illegal and dangerous' suggestion to kidnap Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Elizaldy 'Zaldy' Co, who recently left the country amidst allegations of involvement in questionable flood control projects.

According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro criticized Duterte's remarks during the Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon Program aired over state-run PTV-4. Castro emphasized that suggesting the kidnapping of Co is illegal, raising concerns about the appropriateness of such remarks coming from a vice president. She also pointed out that there was no hold departure order to prevent Co from traveling abroad, despite the allegations against him.

Castro further clarified that the authority for Co's travel was granted not by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. but by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Castro questioned Duterte's understanding of the matter, noting that as Vice President, she should be aware that the travel of lawmakers is not under the President's jurisdiction.

Additionally, Castro highlighted what she perceived as a double standard, pointing out that Duterte herself frequently travels and is allowed by the Office of the President, despite having pending issues of corruption included in impeachment articles against her.

In a related development, newly installed House Speaker Faustino Dy III issued a letter dated Sept. 18, ordering Co to return to the Philippines within 10 days of receiving the notice. The letter noted that the existing travel clearance for Co's personal trip has been revoked 'effective immediately.' Co, currently in the United States for medical treatment, has been instructed to return urgently to address the issues raised against him.