Fugitive former congressman Zaldy Co is currently seeking political asylum in France, claiming he is a victim of “political persecution,” according to an announcement from Malacañang on Tuesday.
Escape from Czech Custody
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro reported that Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, who is currently in Prague, informed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. That Co is no longer under the custody of the Czech Republic.
According to Vida, Czech authorities clarified that although Co had been under their jurisdiction, he had already exited their custody by the time Philippine officials arrived in Prague.
A critical factor in Co’s release was the absence of an Interpol Red Notice. Although the Philippine government applied for one in November 2025, Interpol has not yet issued the notice.
Justice Secretary Vida explained that a Red Notice would have enabled member countries to detain and return Co through deportation or extradition, but without it, law enforcement faced significant limitations.
Jurisdiction and the Schengen Challenge
The Department of Foreign Affairs has provided “highly reliable” information that Co has a pending petition for political asylum in France and is now under the jurisdiction of French authorities.
Philippine officials noted that enforcement is particularly difficult within the Schengen Area, where internal borders between member states are largely unregulated.
Intelligence assessments suggest Co may have traveled by land after leaving Czech custody, potentially crossing into Slovakia, Poland, Austria, or Germany.
Corruption Charges and Legal Battles
Co, who previously chaired the House appropriations committee, is facing charges of graft and nonbailable malversation filed by the Ombudsman in November 2025.
The legal case centers on an alleged P289-million “ghost” flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The charges also implicate executives of Sunwest Construction and Development Corp. And officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 4B.
Co has been a fugitive since July 2025, when he left the Philippines under the pretext of seeking medical treatment in the United States. He was subsequently ordered arrested by the Sandiganbayan.
Government Response and Institutional Gaps
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Expressed disappointment upon learning that Co was no longer in Prague, stating that the government should have brought him home sooner.
In response, the President has summoned the Czech Republic’s charges d’affaires and the French ambassador to Manila for a meeting on Wednesday to discuss possible steps to facilitate Co’s return.
Maj. Gen. Romeo Prestoza, executive director of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC), stated that the government has submitted additional documentation to Interpol to strengthen the Red Notice request.
Justice Secretary Vida also disclosed institutional gaps, including limited legal resources and manpower within the PCTC, which he intends to include in a comprehensive report to the President.
Political Backlash
The development has drawn criticism from lawmakers. Navotas City Rep. Toby Tiangco, who first exposed the issues surrounding Sunwest’s flood control projects, urged the government to be more transparent about why Co was set free.
Meanwhile, Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima criticized administration officials for setting deadlines on capturing “big fish” in what she described as the biggest corruption scandal in history, demanding immediate results instead of promises.
What Happens Next?
The Philippine government may attempt to negotiate faster bilateral agreements on mutual legal assistance and the transfer of sentenced persons with European counterparts.
The outcome of Co’s return could depend on whether French authorities grant his asylum petition or if the government can successfully secure the Interpol Red Notice to trigger a formal extradition process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Zaldy Co released by Czech authorities?
According to Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, a critical factor in Co’s release was the absence of an Interpol Red Notice, which limited the ability of authorities to detain and return him.
What specific charges is Zaldy Co facing?
He is charged with graft and nonbailable malversation related to an alleged P289-million ghost flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Where is Zaldy Co currently located?
Malacañang stated that Co is now under the jurisdiction of French authorities, where he has filed a petition for political asylum.
Do you believe the lack of a bilateral police cooperation agreement is the primary reason for the failure to secure the fugitive?
