The legal pursuit of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co has shifted to French soil after Malacañang confirmed on Tuesday that the embattled ex-lawmaker is no longer in the custody of the Czech Republic.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro, relaying information from Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida and Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro, revealed that Co exited the Czech Republic following an initial border stop caused by documentation discrepancies.
“He has been requested to be transferred to and is now under the jurisdiction of French authorities,” Castro stated.
She further noted that Philippine diplomatic missions across Europe are currently working to obtain formal verification of Co’s legal standing in France.
The update marks the latest twist in a rapidly changing narrative. Over the past several days, official reports on Co’s status fluctuated from being “apprehended” to “in custody,” highlighting the administrative hurdles involved in multi-jurisdictional law enforcement coordination.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has reportedly expressed frustration over the delay in the former lawmaker’s repatriation.
According to Castro, the President is arranging meetings with the ambassadors of both France and the Czech Republic to clarify the circumstances of Co’s movement and map out the government’s next legal steps.
Co, who is implicated in allegations regarding irregular flood control contracts, fled the Philippines in 2025. In an effort to force his return to face charges, the Philippine government previously moved to cancel his passport.