The Philippine government is still on the hunt for former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who remains in hiding after being named a key figure in the controversial flood control project scandal.

Despite efforts, Philippine embassies around the world have yet to locate him. “They haven’t given us any information yet, no report yet,” said DFA spokesperson Assistant Secretary Angelica Escalona.

Escalona pointed out that after the Sandiganbayan ordered the DFA to cancel Co’s passport, the agency acted swiftly — doing it on the very same day to prevent him from traveling using a Philippine passport.

She also took the chance to explain the process behind passport cancellations, especially as the public has grown impatient over what some perceive as the DFA’s “inaction” toward Co.

“What is required by law is a court order to cancel a passport. There [must be] a court order specifically instructing the DFA to cancel the passport of a particular person,” Escalona said.

Once a passport is canceled, the Bureau of Immigration and the local Interpol office — through the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime — are immediately notified. Interpol then flags the passport at international border points, ensuring that law enforcement agencies are alerted if Co tries to travel.

On the topic of dual citizenship, Escalona explained that Filipinos who acquire another nationality usually inform the DFA, though some do not. Co is reportedly a Portuguese passport holder, but Portugal has yet to confirm this.

If coordination with other countries becomes necessary, the DFA works closely with law enforcement agencies like the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Philippine National Police to determine the next steps. “If we have a legal basis for action with a foreign government, it’s very important for the DFA to coordinate closely with our law enforcement authorities,” she said.

Meanwhile, after Co’s series of videos on social media, Malacañang and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. himself have called on him to return to the country and submit his statements in writing.