MANILA, Philippines — Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced that former lawmaker Zaldy Co was arrested in Prague after entering the Czech Republic without proper documentation, and said Philippine authorities are coordinating for his return to the country.
Marcos said Co is currently detained under Czech authorities while the Philippine government works with foreign counterparts to complete legal procedures for repatriation.
Co, a former representative of the Ako Bicol party-list, faces an arrest warrant issued by the Sandiganbayan for alleged malversation of public funds and graft linked to a P289.5-million road dike project in Oriental Mindoro. The warrant also covers at least 15 other individuals from the Department of Public Works and Highways and construction firm Sunwest Construction and Development Corporation.
Authorities said Co left the Philippines on July 19 for a medical check-up days before the government launched an investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
In November, Co alleged that Marcos directed him to insert P100 billion worth of projects into the 2025 national budget and claimed the President benefited from kickbacks. Malacañang denied the allegations, calling them hearsay.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said Co, while abroad, attempted to open communication with Philippine officials through intermediaries.
The Philippine National Police said it is preparing for Co’s possible return. Police chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said authorities are coordinating with international law enforcement partners and relevant agencies to support legal processes related to the case.
