Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla revealed on Friday that former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co is currently residing in a lavish 10-bedroom property along the prestigious Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Speaking at the Kapihan ng Samahang Plaridel forum, Remulla described the residence as being situated near a high-end Christian Dior boutique.
“He has a house in Champs-Élysées, 10 bedrooms na malapit sa Christian Dior. Ganito kalaki ‘yung taas ng mga ceiling noon, 10 bedrooms. Probably worth five, probably worth maybe 200 million dollars, euros,” Remulla said.
“Doon siya ngayon,” he added.
The former lawmaker is facing corruption and malversation charges alongside 17 others concerning a ₱289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. While the Office of the Ombudsman alleges the project was non-existent or substandard, Co has consistently denied the claims.
The Philippine government is currently working with Interpol to enforce a red notice issued in September 2025.
Remulla expressed optimism that Co, who is reportedly seeking asylum in France, will be apprehended before his application is finalized.
“I am confident we’ll get the red notice and I’m confident we’re going to get Zaldy Co back here to the Philippines…This is the only hope we have,” Remulla said.
“I am confident na bago matapos yung asylum application niya, makukuha na natin si Zaldy. Six month application process kasi yan. Sometimes, tumatagal,” he added.
The pursuit of Co follows a series of international developments, including his temporary detention in Prague in April and his subsequent release by Czech authorities before traveling to France.