Malacañang has defended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s statement regarding the alleged detention of former House appropriations panel chair Zaldy Co in the Czech Republic, asserting that there was nothing "premature" about it.
Palace Clarifies President's Remarks
According to Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro, the President's information that Co was in the custody of Czech authorities and that his movement was restricted was accurate, even if it was not an official "arrest" as clarified by the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Castro further explained that the term "caught" used by the President was general and could refer to being held or having movement restricted, not necessarily requiring a legal arrest.
DOJ Confirms No Arrest
Meanwhile, the DOJ confirmed that Co was not arrested but was only prevented from moving due to possible immigration violations after allegedly attempting to cross the Czech-German border without travel documents.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida is currently in Prague to coordinate with local authorities regarding the situation of the former lawmaker.
Co Faces Graft Charges
Co is facing graft and malversation charges related to alleged anomalies in the P289-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
Earlier, the President ordered the sending of a high-level team to coordinate with Czech authorities for Co's possible return to the country to face the cases against him.
