APRIL 28, 2026 — Former lawmaker Zaldy Co, wanted in the Philippines for graft and malversation over the flood control scandal, has slipped out of Czech custody and is now seeking political asylum in France. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. admitted his “disappointment” over the turn of events, while Malacañang insists the government is exhausting all legal and diplomatic channels to bring Co home.

Zaldy Co, once a powerful appropriations chair in Congress, has become the face of a scandal that refuses to die down. After being stopped at the Czech-German border for invalid documents, Co was briefly under Czech custody. But the Department of Justice later confirmed he was no longer detained, and now Malacañang says he has filed for asylum in France, citing “political persecution.”

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro explained, “Nasa France na po siya, dahil po doon siya nag-file ng asylum at hiniling ng bansang France na dalhin si Zaldy Co.” 

(He is already in France, because that is where he filed for asylum and France requested that he be transferred there)

President Marcos, who earlier announced Co’s capture, was visibly frustrated. 

Castro admitted, “Sinabi niya na disappointed siya, dahil malapit na sana natin napauwi si Zaldy Co pero dahil may ibang bansang involved …” 

(He said he was disappointed, because we were close to bringing Zaldy Co home, but since another country is involved …)

Yet the Palace insists Marcos has no reason to apologize. Officials argue that the President reported information as it was relayed to him, and that the administration acted swiftly by sending high-level envoys to Prague. They stress that Co violated no Czech laws beyond documentation issues, limiting what foreign authorities could do.

What now?

This seemingly never-ending saga exposes the cracks in international cooperation (or our country’s lack thereof). The Philippines is now coordinating with French and Czech ambassadors, but asylum petitions complicate extradition. 

The public’s exasperation is palpable back home. Billions lost to substandard flood control projects, alleged kickbacks, and ghost contracts — all while the accused slips through Europe’s legal frameworks. 

The Palace’s refusal to disclose costs of the Prague mission only fuels suspicion. Taxpayers can’t help but wonder: How much more will be spent chasing a fugitive who seems always one step ahead?

Castro, however defended the government’s stance, saying, “Hindi naman po nagpunta doon ang ating mga opisyal para magbakasyon. Pinunta po nila doon ay trabaho para po sa kondisyon at kalagayan ni Zaldy Co. Kung anuman po ang nagastos dito, ito po ay trabaho ng gobyerno – maaari po itong makita sa COA.”

(Our officials did not go there for a vacation. They went there to work on the situation and condition of Zaldy Co. Whatever expenses were incurred, this was government work – and it can be reviewed through the COA.)

Public frustration and accountability

Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla’s apology for prematurely promising Co’s return in “two to three weeks” reflects the government’s missteps. While Malacañang distances itself from his statement, the damage is done. We are left questioning whether the state truly has the capacity — or the political will — to bring back powerful figures accused of corruption.

How can Zaldy Co be this slippery to begin with? Is he truly cunning in his maneuvers, or is “someone” conveniently turning a blind eye to his escape routes? 

Is he really being hunted down … or quietly being shuffled away from the claws of justice because he knows too much? 

And when the day finally comes that he’s caught, will heads actually roll — or will it just be another show for the cameras?

(Image: Rep. Zaldy Co | Facebook)