The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has responded to the allegation made by Navotas City Representative Toby Tiangco, saying the lawmaker may be unaware of the legalities governing a passport cancellation.

Tiangco had accused the DFA of “lawyering” for resigned Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co amid calls for canceling his passport.

Tiangco criticized the DFA for not acting swiftly in canceling Co’s passport to force him to return to the Philippines.

“Under the New Passport Law, the DFA may cancel or revoke a passport only upon grounds expressly provided by law, such as a passport acquired fraudulently, tampered with, or issued erroneously, or upon orders of the court when the holder has been convicted of a criminal offense or is a fugitive from justice,” DFA spokesperson Angelica Escalona pointed out.

“This process is governed by established legal criteria and is not subject to arbitrary or political considerations,” she said.