Manila: The Sandiganbayan has ordered the cancellation of the passport of former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co and formally declared him a fugitive from justice.

According to Philippines News Agency, the anti-graft court issued an eight-page resolution on Dec. 10, instructing the Department of Foreign Affairs to immediately revoke Co's Philippine passport. The court emphasized that Co's deliberate refusal to submit to its lawful authority, unless his demands are met, demonstrates his clear intention to remain outside the court's jurisdiction.

The court further noted that Co left the country during ongoing investigations into alleged corruption in flood control projects, at a time when formal charges against him were imminent. The court highlighted that his strategically timed departure provides sufficient grounds to infer a deliberate attempt to evade justice.

In a separate ruling, the Sandiganbayan also granted the prosecution's request to declare three members of the board of directors of Sunwest Inc.-Aderma Alcazar, Cesar Buenaventura, and Noel Co-as fugitives from justice. Their passports are also to be canceled as part of this order.