Former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co could be repatriated to the Philippines within one to three weeks following his arrest in Prague, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced Friday.
Authorities are now working to expedite Co’s deportation after he was apprehended while attempting to cross the border from the Czech Republic into Germany without valid travel documents.
Remulla clarified that while the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is assisting in the process, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is leading negotiations with Czech authorities.
“Maybe in as little as one week, but it could take as long as three weeks. That depends on the DFA. They’re really the lead on this, not me. I’m just coordinating,” Remulla said in a radio interview.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier confirmed the arrest, stating that the administration is working to secure Co’s return “at the soonest possible time.”
Remulla noted that Co’s lack of proper documentation has complicated proceedings. He also revealed that authorities only flagged Co as a “wanted individual” after his initial arrest abroad.
Upon his return to the Philippines, Co is expected to undergo standard procedures. These include a medical examination at Camp Crame, followed by his presentation before the Sandiganbayan, which will determine his place of detention while awaiting trial.
Co, a former chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, has been in hiding since last year.
He is facing charges filed by the Office of the Ombudsman over a ₱289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, allegedly linked to anomalous contracts involving several former public works officials.