MAY 5, 2026 — The Philippine Embassy in France has made it clear that it cannot arrest fugitive ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co, who is reportedly seeking asylum in France, because doing so would violate French sovereignty. Instead, the case must be handled through diplomatic channels and international law.

Philippine Ambassador to France Eduardo José de Vega stressed that embassies are not police forces. 

“Under international law, an embassy is expected to refrain from acting in a way that violates the host nation’s sovereignty,” he explained. 

He added that the same principle applies in reverse — French diplomats in Manila cannot arrest their citizens in Philippine territory.

De Vega acknowledged public frustration but emphasized that “we have to do things the right way, through diplomacy.” He confirmed that all official communications on the matter will now come directly from the Office of the President.

Reports indicate that Co, facing graft and malversation charges linked to a ₱289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, is in France and has filed for political asylum. Under French law, asylum applications are processed by the French Office for the Protection of Refugees and Stateless Persons (OFPRA), which can take up to six months to decide.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier canceled Co’s regular and diplomatic passports after a Sandiganbayan order in December 2025, and this cancellation was reported to Interpol. Despite this, Co allegedly traveled through Europe using an expired passport.

This development highlights the limits of diplomatic power abroad. While many expect swift justice, the reality is that international law requires patience and respect for sovereignty. The embassy cannot act like “private investigators” in France, and any move against Co must go through French authorities or Interpol.

It’s a reminder that justice across borders is a slow, complex process — one that depends on diplomacy, not force.

Can we really trust the government’s promise of accountability when wealthy, powerful fugitives like Zaldy Co can apparently seek refuge abroad?

(Image: Rep. Zaldy Co | Facebook)