MANILA – The Philippine government continues to push for the return of former congressman Zaldy Co, with Malacañang urging the public to remain optimistic about his eventual repatriation.
Speaking at a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the administration is determined to bring Co home, following the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr..
She said coordination with authorities in the Czech Republic is ongoing to address the legal and immigration aspects of the case.
Castro also clarified that there is no discrepancy between the President’s statements and those issued by the Department of Justice, stressing that the Chief Executive did not describe Co as arrested.
Instead, Co was reportedly taken into custody due to immigration concerns after being unable to present proper documentation. Castro noted that while terminology may differ, Co remains under the control of foreign immigration officials.
The Palace likewise defended the timing of the President’s earlier announcement, saying it was grounded on verified reports at the time.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida is now in Prague to directly engage with Czech counterparts and strengthen coordination efforts.
Authorities are still working to determine Co’s exact location, with the DOJ spearheading communication with international partners.
Co left the country in mid-2025 for a medical check-up but failed to return after investigations began into alleged irregularities in flood control projects. His passport was subsequently invalidated and his travel clearance withdrawn after he was implicated in alleged budget anomalies. He later resigned from his post as Ako Bicol party-list representative.
ia/xf
