THE lawyer of resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co on Thursday denied President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s claim that he attempted to “blackmail” the government in connection with efforts to cancel Co’s passport.
In a video message on Wednesday, Marcos said an unnamed lawyer representing Co tried to pressure the administration by suggesting they would stop releasing videos against the President and his family if authorities halted the passport cancellation process.
Co has recently released a series of videos accusing Marcos and his relatives of corruption, allegations they have strongly denied.
Attorney Ruy Rondain, speaking in a media interview, dismissed the President’s accusation as “ridiculous,” saying neither he nor any member of his team ever contacted the Office of the President.
“The Palace does not have control over the passport cancellation; that’s the prerogative of the Sandiganbayan,” Rondain said. “Why would two parties bargain over something that neither of them controls? It does not make sense.”
Rondain also clarified that he has no influence over the content or release schedule of Co’s videos.
Co, a former Ako Bicol party-list representative who has been abroad since July, is currently facing an arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan in connection with alleged corruption tied to flood control projects.
Under the New Philippine Passport Act, courts have the authority to cancel a passport if the holder has been convicted of a crime or is considered a fugitive from justice.