DFA to ask Enrile, 2 other senators to comment on passport cancellation request

Senators (from left) Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada and Bong Revilla. INQUIRER FILE PHOTOS

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will ask the three senators to comment on the request by the Department of Justice to cancel their passports, according to a statement the DFA issued late Thursday.

“In accordance with Section 4 of the Philippine Passport Act of 1996 (R.A. 8239), the Department will ask the concerned persons to submit written comments on the request of the DOJ,” the DFA said.

“On the basis of the written comments submitted, the Department will make a decision on the request of the DOJ,” it said.

The DOJ submitted their 10-page request to the DFA early Thursday asking for the passports of senators Juan Ponce Enrile, Jinggoy Estrada, and Ramon Revilla Jr. to be cancelled in view of the plunder charge that has been filed against them.

DFA confirmed the receipt of the request Thursday evening.

The DOJ is seeking the cancellation of a total of 37 passports, including that of Enrile’s former chief of staff, Jessica Reyes. The Bureau of Immigration however previously said that she has left the country.

Enrile, Estrada, Revilla, and Reyes are facing charges of plunder before the Ombudsman for their alleged involvement in the pork barrel scam believed to have been masterminded by Janet Lim-Napoles.

Related stories:

DFA to get sides of Enrile et al. before acting on DOJ request to cancel their passports

De Lima asks DFA: Cancel passports of Enrile et al.