President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. is scheduled to meet with the French ambassador to the Philippines and Czech Republic charge d’affaires Wednesday, April 29, 2026, to discuss developments surrounding former congressman Zaldy Co, who has reportedly filed a “political asylum“ petition in France.

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the meeting follows confirmation received by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) that Co is seeking asylum abroad.

“Magkakaroon po ng pagpupulong, ipinatawag po ng ating Pangulo ang ambassador ng France at pati ang ambassador ng Czech Republic or Charge de Affairs at para mapag-usapan kung ano ang pagkukulang, kung ano ang dapat na ginawa at ano ‘yung dapat maaaring pang gawin para maibalik si Zaldy Co dito sa ating bansa,” Castro said.

The meeting, set for 2 p.m., aims to address possible lapses in the government’s handling of Co’s case and to identify measures that could expedite his return to the Philippines.

The former lawmaker is facing graft and malversation charges in the Philippines. In his asylum petition, he allegedly cited “political persecution” as grounds for seeking protection in France, according to Castro.

The Palace official added that coordination with European governments is ongoing to verify Co’s exact location and legal status. She noted that French authorities had reportedly requested Co’s transfer to their jurisdiction due to his pending asylum application.

At present, Co is not under detention and is believed to be free to travel within Europe.

Despite the development, Castro emphasized that the Philippine government remains firm in pursuing Co’s return through legal and diplomatic channels.

She reiterated that authorities will continue working with foreign counterparts to ensure that the former lawmaker faces the charges against him in Philippine courts.