MANILA, Philippines — On April 28, 2026, Presidential Communications Office press officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. does not blame any official for delays in efforts to return former lawmaker Zaldy Co to the Philippines, after Co applied for political asylum in France and left Czech custody.
Castro announced that Co sought asylum in France less than two weeks after the president disclosed that Czech authorities had taken him into custody. She said the president expressed satisfaction with the actions of officials involved in the repatriation effort and did not assign fault to any individual.
Castro also said statements by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla that Co could return to Manila within one to three weeks did not come from the president or Malacañang. She clarified that the timeline was Remulla’s personal statement.
Co is currently in France seeking political asylum on claims of political persecution. Castro said that, unlike in the Czech Republic, Co is free to travel within the Schengen Area under his current visa.
Castro said the president expressed disappointment after learning that Co was no longer in Czech custody. Justice Secretary Frederick Remulla earlier confirmed in Prague that Co was free to move within Europe.
Castro said Czech authorities will determine the next course of action, as the reported violation involves the use of invalid documentation.
Co faces criminal charges related to a public works corruption case. In November, the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant for his arrest and ordered the cancellation of his passport while he remained at large.
