Manila: The Philippine passport of resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy remains active pending a court order to cancel it, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Wednesday. In a statement, DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona said the agency would immediately revoke the former lawmaker's travel document once it receives the court order.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Foreign Affairs is committed to assisting in the pursuit of justice by complying with lawful processes. Under the New Passport Law, the DFA is authorized to cancel the passport of former Congressman Zaldy Co only upon receipt of a court order. Escalona stated that once the court order is received, the DFA will carry out its mandate.

Escalona emphasized that the process is governed by established legal criteria and is not subject to arbitrary or political considerations. The clarification comes as National Bureau of Investigation chief Angelito Magno confirmed in an ANC interview that the embattled former lawmaker's Filipino passport has already been cancelled.

A warrant of arrest has been issued against Co and 15 other people accused of graft and malversation linked to the PHP289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. The respondents include 10 officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and five company officers of Sunwest Inc., the project contractor owned by Co.