MANILA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered intensified legal and diplomatic action to secure the return of fugitive businessman Zaldy Co from Europe, pressing foreign governments not to become safe havens for individuals facing corruption charges in the Philippines.
Malacañang said the administration is now accelerating efforts to bring Co back to face graft and malversation cases linked to alleged irregularities in flood control projects, with the President directing authorities to exhaust all available legal and diplomatic channels.
“Sa huli, muling tiniyak ng Pangulo na gagawin ng pamahalaan ang lahat ng ligal at diplomatikong paraan upang maibalik sa Pilipinas ang puganteng si Zaldy Co upang harapin ang graft at malversation cases na isinampa laban sa kaniya dito sa Pilipinas,” said Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.
The push gained urgency following confirmation from Czech Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Eva Tenzin that Co had earlier been detained in the Czech Republic due to invalid travel documents.
Marcos had previously disclosed that Co was under Czech custody before reportedly moving to France, where he is now seeking political asylum.
Castro said the President is also looking to fast-track extradition arrangements and deepen cooperation with foreign governments to hasten Co’s return.
Marcos recently met with Tenzin and French Ambassador Marie Fontanel in Malacañang to clarify Co’s status, emphasizing that countries must not shield fugitives facing criminal prosecution.
Despite the tensions, the President reaffirmed the Philippines’ diplomatic ties with France and the Czech Republic, underscoring shared commitments to democratic principles and the rule of law.
However, Castro noted that the Czech government declined to release further details about Co’s detention, citing international, European, and domestic legal restrictions.
She added that Marcos expressed frustration over the limited information provided, describing the outcome of discussions as “very unsatisfactory,” especially after communication reportedly became restricted while Co was in Czech custody.
Both France and the Czech Republic, she said, have assured continued cooperation with the Philippines, provided requests comply with their respective legal frameworks.
Castro also clarified that the Philippine government has not sought the issuance of an Interpol red notice against Co.
Co remains wanted in the Philippines over graft and malversation charges tied to alleged anomalies in flood control projects./PN
