Drilon Calls for Passport Revocation and Account Freeze to Ensure Co's Return Amid Flood Control Probe

Former Senate President Franklin Drilon advocated on Monday for the cancellation of Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co’s passport and the freezing of his bank accounts to secure his return to the Philippines and hold him accountable for the ongoing flood control scandal.

Speaking on the Bilyonaryo News Channel program "At The Forefront," Drilon emphasized that there is sufficient probable cause to pursue legal action against Co. He stated, "Cancel his passport… The next step is to freeze all his accounts. Freeze all his accounts and build up a case against him."

Drilon explained that once Co’s passport is cancelled, he would become an undocumented individual abroad, enabling Philippine authorities to work with Interpol to facilitate his repatriation.

However, Drilon clarified that the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cannot unilaterally revoke a passport without a court order.

While highlighting the importance of freezing Co’s financial assets, Drilon underlined that compiling a robust legal case remains paramount. Drawing from his experience as a former justice secretary, he remarked that certain witness testimonies—particularly those from individuals who personally delivered cash—are admissible and not hearsay. Other testimonies, however, might face legal challenges.

"At the very least, in terms of probable cause, there is enough evidence in my view," Drilon added, referencing the evidence uncovered during Senate hearings to date.