The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida will travel to the Czech Republic on Thursday to meet with Czech authorities regarding efforts to secure the return of former congressman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, who is facing pending charges before the Sandiganbayan.

Accompanying Vida is Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan, with the delegation set to begin formal discussions on possible legal pathways for Co’s return to the Philippines to face prosecution, RH Boy Gonzales reported.

The DOJ said the talks will explore several legal options, including deportation, extradition, and cooperation under the United Nations Convention Against Corruption, which both the Philippines and the Czech Republic are parties to.

The department stressed that it respects the sovereignty of the Czech Republic, including its judicial procedures and data privacy laws, as discussions proceed under international legal frameworks.

While pursuing all available legal remedies, the DOJ said the timeline and manner of Co’s potential return will depend on ongoing negotiations and compliance with Czech and international law.

The agency reiterated its commitment to ensuring that Co is held accountable in Philippine courts, emphasizing that efforts to bring him back remain a priority under the government’s anti-corruption enforcement agenda.