MANILA — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) clarified that it has not canceled the Philippine passport of former Ako Bicol Party-List Rep. Zaldy Co, following President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s announcement that Co and 17 others face arrest warrants in connection with flood control corruption.

In a statement, the DFA said Philippine passports can only be canceled upon receipt of a court order from a competent Philippine court instructing the agency to do so, as provided under Sections 4 and 10 of Republic Act 11983, or the New Philippine Passport Act. “As of this time, the Department has not received such an order,” the DFA added.

President Marcos, on his official social media account, said Co and 17 others from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Sunwest Corporation have been indicted on graft charges by the Office of the Ombudsman, based on evidence gathered by the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) and the DPWH.

“Ako ang nagsimula nitong lahat. Ako ang magtatapos,” the President said, emphasizing that law enforcement authorities will serve the arrest warrants and that those charged will face the full force of the law. “Walang special na pagtrato, walang sinasanto.”

President Marcos assured the public that the investigation into anomalous flood control and other infrastructure projects will continue, noting that the creation of the ICI last September aims to hold accountable those who illegally profited from government projects over the last decade.