By Darryl John Esguerra
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said the government is undertaking legal steps to bring fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co back to the Philippines, as he remains in custody in the Czech Republic.
In a video message, Marcos said he directed the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs to lead coordination with Czech authorities.
“Nananatili po siya sa kustodiya ng Czech Republic at isinasagawa natin ang lahat ng mga kinakailangang hakbang para sa kanyang pagbalik dito sa Pilipinas (He remains in the custody of the Czech Republic and we are undertaking all necessary steps for his return to the Philippines),” he said.
The President said a high-level coordination team would be deployed to oversee the process.
Marcos emphasized that the repatriation will follow established legal procedures between countries.
“Ang ganitong mga proseso ay may sinusunod na mga legal na hakbang… kaya’t nangangailangan ng sapat na panahon upang maisagawa nang tama (These processes follow legal steps… and therefore require sufficient time to be carried out properly),” he said.
He assured the public that Co would face the charges against him upon his return.
“We will bring Zaldy Co home, and we will do so in accordance with the law. He will answer to the Filipino people,” the President said.
Co is one of 16 individuals facing charges of graft and malversation in connection with an alleged substandard PHP289-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, undertaken by Sunwest Corporation, a firm owned by his immediate family members.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council alleged that Co received PHP802 million through check deposits drawn from Sunwest accounts from 2019 to 2025, a period that coincided with his tenure as a lawmaker. Public officials are prohibited from having business interests.
The Sandiganbayan has since declared Co a fugitive from justice.
He was arrested and turned over to Czech authorities while trying to enter Germany, Marcos said Friday. (PNA)
