Former presidential spokesperson Atty. Harry Roque reiterated that former Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co is in good condition and not arrested, following the confirmation of the Department of Justice that Co is no longer under the custody of Czech authorities.
“Pangalawang beses ko nang sinabi, kinumpirma ko na fake news ang sinabi ng ating Pangulo kasi nakausap ko siya. Hindi siya arestado, siya ay malaya, siya ay nasa mabuting kalagayan,” Roque said in an interview during Magandang Umaga Pilipinas.
Roque said he was able to talk to Co, who confirmed via phone call that he is not arrested after reports circulated alleging his apprehension.
“Hindi sa akin sinabi kung kailan siya umalis ng Prague, pero alam ko as of Saturday, April 17, wala na siya sa Prague. In fact, nandoon ako—umalis siya noong April 16 pa lamang matapos maipahayag ng Pangulo yung fake news na siya ay na-apprehend sa Prague. Pero nakumpirma ko noong April 17, wala na siya sa Prague,” Roque said.
Roque was the first to announce that Co was not arrested, saying that the President’s announcement was “fake news.” He noted that he has been encouraging Co to seek asylum for his protection.
“Hindi ko tinatanong kung nasaan siya, kung siya ay nasa mabuting kalagayan, kung siya ay may mga pangangailangan at palagi ko siyang pinapaalalahanan na kailangan niyang kumuha ng asylum.”
Earlier, Acting Justice Secretary Frederick Vida announced in a press briefing that Co is no longer in the custody of Czech authorities after personally receiving information from Czech officials.
“I have to share difficult news. Czech authorities have informed us that Mr. Zaldy Co is no longer in their custody,” Vida said.
It can be recalled that Malacañang maintained that the President’s announcement on April 16 was based on verified information at the time and clarified that it did not use the term “arrested” but only “caught.”
On April 25, the DOJ clarified that Co was “not technically arrested,” but that his liberty had been restrained during the incident.
Co is facing charges of corruption and malversation before the Sandiganbayan in connection with an alleged ₱289-million ghost flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The case, filed in November 2025, also implicates several officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways and a private contractor linked to Co’s family.
