Department of Justice acting Secretary Frederick Vida on Monday said the passport of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co cannot be canceled unless ordered by a court, stressing the DOJ must adhere to due process in handling all ongoing corruption investigations.

Vida clarified this amid questions on why Co — who is being investigated in connection with alleged flood control project anomalies — is reportedly still able to travel abroad despite ongoing proceedings.

“Only the Regional Trial Court can cancel a passport,” Vida said. “That’s the protection given to every Filipino — that your passport cannot be revoked without a judicial order.”

Vida explained that the cancellation of a passport can only be sought after a criminal case has been formally filed in court. As of now, he said, the DOJ and the Office of the Ombudsman are still conducting preliminary investigations into Co’s alleged involvement in the anomalies.

“As of now, there’s no case filed yet,” Vida said. “Once an information is filed in court, the prosecution — whether it’s from the Ombudsman or the DOJ — may then request the court to cancel the passport.”

The process ensures that the rights of all accused individuals are protected, even as the government works to hold accountable those found guilty of corruption.

“We cannot just take shortcuts,” he said. “The process has to be followed, because it’s also the right of every Filipino that the justice system moves within the bounds of the law.”

He noted that the DOJ may seek passport cancellation only after the court acquires jurisdiction over the person, usually when a warrant of arrest is issued or the accused voluntarily surrenders.

He said, “When a case is filed, the court acquires jurisdiction through an arrest warrant or voluntary surrender. Only then can motions such as passport cancellation be properly filed.”

He earlier confirmed that the DOJ, under the deputization of the Ombudsman, is coordinating with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to determine Co’s whereabouts and assist in the ongoing probe.

Vida assured that both the DOJ and the Ombudsman are acting within legal parameters to ensure that proceedings are evidence-based and transparent.

“We are not rushing this,” Vida said. “What we want is to make sure that those who must be held accountable are charged properly — based on evidence, not speculation.”

He emphasized that while the public’s demand for accountability is valid, justice must always be pursued through established legal processes.

He said they understand the public’s frustration, however, the rule of law exists precisely to make sure justice is done the right way — not just swiftly, but correctly.