Palace optimistic about Co’s eventual arrest

Malacañang expressed confidence that fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co will ultimately be found and brought back to the Philippines, even as authorities reconcile differing reports on his possible whereabouts in Europe.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said government agencies are now verifying information contained in court documents indicating that Co may be in Sweden, a development that runs counter to earlier assessments placing him in Portugal.

“Sa ngayon po ay nakikipag-ugnayan din po tayo sa DILG [Department of the Interior and Local Government] at ang huli nga po nilang sinabi ay aalamin po nila kung ito’y may katotohanan,” Castro said during a Palace briefing.

Records submitted to the court reportedly showed that Co personally appeared before a Swedish notary public on Jan. 15, 2026, challenging previous public statements by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla that the former legislator was believed to be staying in Portugal.

Co is wanted for graft and malversation in connection with an alleged  ₱289.5-million ghost flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. His co-accused in the case have already been detained.

Castro also played down claims that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is frustrated by Co’s continued flight from justice, saying the President remains confident in the agencies leading the manhunt.

“Hindi natin masasabing may frustration ang Pangulo dahil alam po niya na ang mga namumuno sa mga ahensiya ng gobyerno na tumutugis sa mga fugitive ay nagtatrabaho nang ayon sa kaniyang utos,” she said.

She added that the Chief Executive remains hopeful the case will reach its conclusion. “Optimistic ang Pangulo na mahuhuli at madadala ang mga nagtatago sa kamay ng batas dito sa Pilipinas para mapanagot kung sila ay dapat na mapanagot,” Castro said.