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

In an eight-page resolution dated December 10, the anti-graft court directed the Department of Foreign Affairs to immediately revoke Co’s Philippine passport.

“It is the court’s view that the deliberate refusal to submit to the lawful authority of the court, unless his demands are met, confirms his clear intent to remain outside the jurisdiction of the court,” the ruling read.

The court noted that Co left the country while investigations into alleged corruption in flood control projects were ongoing and formal charges against him were imminent. “His strategically timed flight, therefore, provides sufficient ground for the reasonable inference that his action constituted a deliberate attempt to flee from justice,” the resolution added.

In a separate resolution, the Sandiganbayan also declared three members of the board of directors of Sunwest Inc. — Aderma Alcazar, Cesar Buenaventura, and Noel Co — as fugitives from justice and ordered the cancellation of their passports. (PNA)