Malacañang confirmed that former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co is now in France, where he has applied for political asylum and is under the jurisdiction of French authorities.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the development was relayed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. by Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, who had earlier traveled to Prague to coordinate with Czech officials.
According to Castro, Co is no longer in the custody of the Czech Republic and has since been transferred to France in connection with his asylum petition.
“He is now in France and under the jurisdiction of French authorities. He is not detained but was brought there due to his petition,” Castro said.
Co is reportedly seeking asylum on the grounds of alleged political persecution, a claim the Philippine government has rejected.
Castro said the President expressed disappointment upon learning that Co was no longer in Prague, prompting immediate diplomatic action.
She added that Marcos has called for a meeting with the French ambassador to the Philippines and the Czech Republic’s chargé d’affaires at Malacañang to discuss the case and explore possible steps toward Co’s return.
Despite the development, the administration reiterated its commitment to bring Co back to the Philippines to face charges.
Co is wanted in connection with alleged graft and malversation involving a P289.4-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, which authorities said was substandard.
Malacañang said coordination with international counterparts is ongoing as the government pursues legal avenues for Co’s eventual repatriation.