Philippine authorities have confirmed that fugitive former Ako-Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co is no longer in the custody of Czech authorities. Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida announced this during a press conference in the Czech Republic, stating that while Co remains within the Schengen area, his exact location is unknown.
Details of the Announcement
“I have to share difficult news, mga kababayan. Czech authorities have informed us that Mr. Zaldy Co is no longer in their custody,” Vida said. “What we can confirm is that he is within the Schengen area,” he added.
Vida led the Philippine delegation sent to the Czech Republic to process Co’s return after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced his arrest there. Vida noted that Czech authorities did not provide information on Co’s possible whereabouts due to Schengen rules and data privacy provisions. “They were pointing to a possible police cooperation agreement, which we don’t have,” he explained.
Philippine Delegation’s Reaction
“I am disappointed by the lack of knowledge. They expressed that they understand the gravity of the case and the Filipino public. I am confused about the legal parameters from which this is coming,” Vida said.
Co was reportedly intercepted by Czech authorities while attempting to enter Germany from the Czech Republic with his family. According to Vida, Co was carrying an expired passport at the time of his arrest. Bureau of Immigration records show that Co has three passports: one that expired on September 11, 2022; his official passport as a member of the House of Representatives; and a third that Marcos said was canceled in December but remains valid until 2032.
Ongoing Efforts and Agreements
Despite the setback, Vida assured that the delegation will not return to the Philippines empty-handed, as they have gathered important information about Co. They will forward this “actionable intelligence” to the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime.
Philippine and Czech officials have also agreed to begin negotiations on mutual legal assistance, extradition, and transfer of sentenced persons agreements.
Legal Background
Co has a standing arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan for anomalies in a PHP 289 million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The former lawmaker is at the center of investigations into flood control anomalies, with witnesses claiming he received billions in kickbacks.
Sunwest Corporation, co-founded by Co, is among the top 15 companies that secured 20 percent or PHP 100 billion worth of flood control projects in the country from 2022 to 2025.
Co’s Allegations
In his video statements, Co accused Marcos and his cousin, former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, of receiving kickbacks from these projects. He claimed that PHP 56 billion in kickbacks from flood control projects in Bulacan were given to Marcos and Romualdez.
Co said he would provide evidence to support his claims but fears returning to the Philippines due to threats to his life and his family.
