Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said the government must act quickly to bring back former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, calling the failure to secure him while he was reportedly in Czech custody an “embarrassing situation.”
Lacson said authorities were informed in time of Co’s apprehension abroad but failed to act swiftly, allowing the fugitive to slip away.
“Simply put, it was a lost opportunity and our government has nobody to blame except itself,” he said, urging officials to step up efforts to return Co to the Philippines.
He stressed that the government must now “work double time” not only to locate Co but also to demonstrate its commitment to pursuing justice against him and his alleged co-conspirators.
Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian described reports that Co is no longer under Czech custody as a temporary setback, expressing confidence that international coordination could still lead to his arrest.
Gatchalian said the government should coordinate with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to facilitate the issuance of a Red Notice, allowing authorities worldwide to track and apprehend Co.
“It’s a temporary setback… government should work with Interpol so they can use their network to apprehend him,” he said, noting the Philippines’ past cooperation with the global police body.
He added that Interpol’s international reach would be crucial in locating Co, especially amid reports that he may have documents allowing him to move across Europe.
Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito also called for a clearer account of what transpired, questioning how Co was no longer in custody by the time Philippine officials arrived in Prague.
Ejercito said better coordination between the Philippine embassy and Czech authorities could have clarified Co’s legal status and prevented the lapse.
He added that bringing Co back is critical, as he may hold key information on alleged irregularities in flood control projects and budget insertions.
“Malaking setback kung tuluyang mawala siya,” Ejercito said, warning that failure to secure the former lawmaker could hamper efforts to uncover the truth behind the controversy.
Lawmakers said the government must now intensify diplomatic and law enforcement coordination to locate Co and ensure he faces charges in Philippine courts.