Palace moves to bring back fugitive Co

Malacañang said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is pursuing both legal and diplomatic channels to secure the return of fugitive Zaldy Co to the Philippines, where he faces graft and malversation charges linked to alleged anomalous flood control projects.

According to the Palace, Co is currently in France seeking political asylum, after previously being detained in the Czech Republic over invalid travel documents.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Czech Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Eva Tenzin confirmed during a meeting with Marcos in Malacañang that Co had been under Czech custody prior to his departure.

“Sa huli, muling tiniyak ng Pangulo na gagawin ng pamahalaan ang lahat ng ligal at diplomatikong paraan upang maibalik sa Pilipinas ang puganteng si Zaldy Co upang harapin ang graft at malversation cases na isinampa laban sa kaniya dito sa Pilipinas,” Castro said.

Marcos also met separately with representatives of the Czech Republic and France to seek clarification on Co’s legal status and possible next steps, while reiterating that no country should serve as a refuge for individuals facing criminal charges.

Castro said the Czech side confirmed Co’s detention but cited legal restrictions in disclosing further details.

“Humihingi pa po ng ibang pahayag or information ang ating Pangulo sa Czech Republic. Pero hindi na po napabigyan ang Pangulo dahil may sinusunod ang Czech Republic na international, European, and national laws,” she said.

Despite this, both the Czech Republic and France reportedly assured continued cooperation with the Philippines, provided requests comply with their respective legal systems.

Castro added that Marcos expressed disappointment over what he described as limited progress in obtaining further information while Co was still in Czech custody, but emphasized that diplomatic engagement will continue.

The Palace also clarified that the President did not request the acceleration of any Interpol “red notice” proceedings against Co.

Co remains the subject of ongoing Philippine court cases involving alleged irregularities in government infrastructure projects.