By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday pressed the Ambassador of France and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Czech Republic to the Philippines for clarity and stronger cooperation on the case of fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co.
During separate meetings at Malacañan Palace in Manila, Marcos expressed disappointment over developments surrounding Co’s release from Czech custody, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said in a statement.
Marcos noted that despite the Philippines’ efforts, the former lawmaker has yet to return home to face justice.
He asked for additional information on the circumstances that led to Co’s release.
“He expressed disappointment at the whole situation with Zaldy Co and that despite the Philippines’ earnest efforts, Zaldy Co remains at large in Europe,” the PCO said after Marcos met with the French and Czech diplomats.
“He requested for further information as to what transpired and why Zaldy Co was released from custody by the Czech authorities,” it added.
The PCO clarified that despite the issue, Marcos reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong bilateral ties with France and the Czech Republic, anchored on shared values such as respect for the rule of law.
Marcos expressed hope for enhanced police, legal, and judicial cooperation to secure Co’s return to the Philippines.
“Moving forward, he remains hopeful of future police, legal, and judicial cooperation, so that once and for all Zaldy Co is brought back to PH to face justice,” the PCO said.
Malacañang on Tuesday confirmed that Co is no longer under the custody of the Czech Republic and is now in France, where he is seeking political asylum.
The Department of Foreign Affairs received “highly reliable information” that Co filed a petition for political asylum in France due to alleged “political persecution,” a claim that the Palace denied. (PNA)
