APRIL 30, 2026 — President Marcos has expressed frustration after Czech authorities released fugitive ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co, with a Czech diplomat refusing to provide further details during a Malacañang meeting. Co, previously detained in Prague for invalid travel documents, is now seeking political asylum in France, leaving the Philippine government scrambling for answers and cooperation.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. summoned French Ambassador Marie Fontanel and Czech Chargé d’Affaires Eva Tenzin to Malacañang this week, demanding clarity on the fate of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co. Tenzin confirmed that Co was indeed detained in the Czech Republic for invalid travel documents, but refused to disclose further details, citing international and European legal constraints.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro explained, “At maliban pa po diyan, humihingi pa po ng iba pang pahayag or information ang ating Pangulo sa Czech Republic pero hindi na po napagbigyan ang Pangulo dahil sa may sinusunod ang Czech Republic na international law, European, at national laws.” 

(Aside from that, the President sought more information from the Czech Republic but was denied because they are bound by international, European, and national laws.)

The Palace later confirmed that Co has been released and is now under French jurisdiction, seeking asylum on grounds of “political persecution.” Marcos described the outcome as “very unsatisfactory” and pressed both governments for cooperation, stressing that fugitives should not find safe haven abroad.

Co, once a powerful appropriations chair in Congress, faces graft and malversation charges tied to the P289 million flood control scandal in Oriental Mindoro. His family-owned Sunwest Corporation was accused of building substandard projects, while whistleblowers linked him to kickbacks from ghost flood control deals. 

Despite repeated government efforts, including Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida’s trip to Prague, Co remains at large in Europe.

Marcos insists that bilateral ties with France and the Czech Republic remain strong, but the frustration is palpable: justice delayed is justice denied. We are all left wondering how a fugitive can slip through the cracks of international law while ordinary citizens face swift consequences at home.

Will we ever see Zaldy Co stand trial, or will Europe become his permanent refuge from accountability?

(Image: Rep. Zaldy Co | Facebook)