(Manila, 19th) The Philippine Presidential Palace has strongly criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for recently suggesting the 'kidnapping' of Congressman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, who is currently abroad. This move was described as 'illegal and dangerous.'
Presidential Spokesperson Castro stated on the government-run PTV-4 program that Duterte’s remarks were 'shocking,' and emphasized that lawmakers' overseas travels are not under the jurisdiction of the president, but are approved by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
'She said “we should kidnap Co.” First of all, this in itself is illegal. How can a vice president publicly make an illegal suggestion? This is not only absurd, but also dangerous,' Castro remarked pointedly.
Castro also refuted Duterte's questioning of why Co was allowed to travel abroad, noting that Co’s travel permit was not issued by the president, but approved by the former House speaker. She also subtly criticized Duterte herself for 'frequently traveling abroad,' despite facing corruption allegations in her impeachment case, yet still being granted permission to travel.
On the other hand, the new House Speaker Romualdez III sent a letter on September 18 announcing the revocation of Co’s travel permit, ordering him to return to the country within 10 days to face allegations of involvement in corruption in flood control projects.
It is noted that Co is currently in the United States receiving medical treatment, but is still required to return as soon as possible to address the relevant issues.