The Philippine government’s mission to secure the return of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co has hit a diplomatic wall.
During a press briefing in Prague, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed that Co is no longer in the custody of Czech authorities, despite reports of his arrest on April 16.
The delegation, dispatched by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., arrived in the Czech Republic only to discover that Co had already been released. The President had previously made the arrest public, prompting an immediate effort to bring the former lawmaker back to the Philippines to face allegations concerning irregularities in government flood control projects.
Secretary Vida explained the situation to the press:
“Czech authorities have informed us that Mr. Zaldy Co is no longer in their custody.”
While the Philippine government acted swiftly upon receiving news of Co’s whereabouts, Vida acknowledged that international legal boundaries limited their ability to maintain his detention.
He noted that the mission followed all protocols of international law and cooperation, yet ultimately had to respect the host country’s judicial processes.
“From the moment we received information on his whereabouts, the Philippine government moved as quickly as we could. We coordinated with the international authorities and the President dispatched a mission to Prague,” Vida said.
Addressing the complexities of the operation, Vida emphasized that the Philippines must operate within the constraints of foreign jurisdictions.
“And we cannot compel a foreign government to go outside its legal framework. What we can do is to be within that legal framework aggressively as the laws allow,” he added.
Vida also defended President Marcos Jr.’s initial announcement regarding the arrest, asserting that the statement was accurate based on the intelligence available at that moment.
“That was the facts available, that he was here in the Czech Republic,” Vida clarified.
With the mission now concluding, the Philippine delegation is expected to return to Manila without the former representative.
Authorities believe Co remains within Europe, though his current specific location is unknown.