MANILA, Oct. 18 -- The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has denied insinuations that it is "lawyering" for resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co amid calls to cancel the latter's passport.

DFA Spokesperson Angelica Escalona issued the statement late Friday after the remarks of Rep. Toby Tiangco, asking why it seems like the DFA was defending Co on why his passport cannot be immediately cancelled.

Escalona said this allegation "reflects a misunderstanding of the legal standards governing passport cancellation."

She pointed out that the cancellation or revocation of a passport is a process governed by established legal criteria and "is not subject to arbitrary or political considerations."

"Our respect for the constitutional gu...