Malacañang on Friday clarified remarks made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the status of resigned Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, saying there was “no fake news” in the President’s earlier statement and that key terms had been misinterpreted.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro explained that the Filipino word “nahuli,” used by Marcos in his April 16 statement, has multiple meanings depending on context and does not automatically refer to an arrest.
“Kapag sinabi nating ‘nahuli,’ it does not necessarily mean arrest,” Castro said, adding that the term may also mean “caught,” “stopped,” “prevented,” or “delayed.”
She said the President’s statement “Nahuli na si Zaldy Co” was not meant to formally indicate an arrest but to describe Co’s situation at the time.
Castro added that in subsequent communications on April 16 and 17, Marcos said the Philippines has been coordinating with the Czech Republic to ensure proper legal procedures and facilitate Co’s return at the earliest possible time.
According to the Palace, Co is currently under the custody of Czech authorities due to documentation issues, with discussions ongoing between both governments on the appropriate legal steps.
Castro also clarified that the term “arrest” did not originate from the President’s statement and was later corrected in official communications, including a Presidential Communications Office (PCO) release after clarification from Czech authorities.
She said the Philippine government respects the Czech Republic’s position and acknowledges that legal procedures may vary across jurisdictions, particularly in cases involving international coordination.
Malacañang reiterated that the administration remains committed to bringing Co back to the Philippines to face charges filed against him.
Co is facing graft and malversation complaints in connection with an alleged P289.4 million substandard flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. Authorities said the case will proceed once jurisdictional and legal processes are completed.