MANILA — Malacañang raised alarm over a growing tactic among fugitives, warning that some are exploiting political asylum processes abroad to evade accountability and delay their return to the Philippines, following confirmation that former lawmaker Zaldy Co has sought asylum in France.
“Iyan naman po ang nasa isip natin. Iyan din po ang nasa isip ng Pangulo, dahil iyong iba nating mga pugante ay iyan ang ginagawang last resort para ma-delay ang pagpapauwi sa kanila sa Pilipinas, so hindi magandang pangitain,” said Undersecretary Claire Castro of the Presidential Communications Office.
The Palace stressed, however, that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not interfere in the decisions of foreign governments on asylum requests.
“I don’t think so, the President will not do that, dahil hindi po niya panghihimasukan kung anuman po ang magiging desisyon ng ibang bansa,” Castro added.
Citing information from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Malacañang said Co is not confined to France and could move freely within the Schengen area, complicating efforts to secure his return.
The Palace also underscored that diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the Czech Republic remain unaffected despite recent developments involving Co.
“Pag-uusapan din po iyan, iyong mutual extradition process, pero sa ngayon, wala pong sinasabing hindi naging maganda ang relasyon natin sa Czech, nagkataon lang po na mayroon din silang batas na ipinapatupad,” Castro said.
Authorities continue to coordinate with international partners as the government pursues Co’s return to face allegations linked to the flood control controversy./PN
