Ridon: DFA Can’t Just Take Away Passports of Zaldy Co, Harry Roque!

Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Terry Ridon, chair of the House Committee on Public Accounts, slammed calls for the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to cancel the passports of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co and ex-presidential spokesman Harry Roque, saying the agency has no power to do so without a court order!

“Kahit sino pa ‘yan — si Zaldy Co man o si Harry Roque — bawal basta-basta mag-cancel ng passport ang DFA!” Ridon declared. “Wala sa Konstitusyon, wala sa Passport Act!”

Ridon’s fiery statement came after Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco urged the DFA to revoke Co’s passport even if no case has been filed in court. But Ridon quickly fired back, saying the law is clear — no court order, no passport cancellation!

“Kung gusto nilang kanselahin, sundin ang proseso — kasuhan si Zaldy Co at ipatupad ang arrest warrant ni Harry Roque,” Ridon said.

The lawmaker reminded government agencies not to be swayed by political noise or public pressure, stressing that the right to travel is protected under the Constitution.

The issue erupted amid growing calls for accountability among high-profile personalities linked to alleged corruption. But Ridon stood firm: “Due process applies to everyone — no shortcuts!”

Observers said Ridon’s remarks serve as a warning to officials who want to flex power beyond the law. “The DFA can’t just play judge and jury,” one legal expert noted.

As the political tension heats up, one thing is clear — Ridon isn’t backing down from defending the rule of law, even if it means going against powerful names like Co and Roque.

“Batas muna bago pulitika!” Ridon said.