Malacañang on Thursday affirmed that Czech authorities have validated earlier reports that former lawmaker Zaldy Co was briefly detained in Europe due to invalid travel documents, with the Palace underscoring that the confirmation supports the earlier disclosure of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

At a press briefing in Malacañang Palace, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Czech officials relayed the confirmation through Chargé d’Affaires Eva Tenzin, noting that Co had been placed under Czech custody before his subsequent release.

“Mr. President, you are correct in your information that Zaldy Co was detained by authorities in the Czech Republic due to invalid travel documents,” Castro said, emphasizing that the statement aligns with the President’s earlier public remarks.

Castro added that the Czech envoy’s account was consistent with the Philippine government’s understanding of the incident, stressing: “Walang pasubali, walang pagkakamali sa naging pahayag ng Pangulo para sa taong bayan.”

She also disclosed that President Marcos Jr. recently held meetings with Czech Chargé d’Affaires Eva Tenzin and French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel to discuss developments surrounding Co’s case and related diplomatic concerns.

According to Castro, the president expressed concern over Co’s release from Czech custody and noted that the former official “nanatiling nasa Europe,” raising questions on how jurisdictional procedures were carried out.

“The President expressed his disappointment after Zaldy Co was released from the custody of the Czech Republic,” she said, adding that the Philippine government sought clearer assurances to prevent individuals facing charges in the country from using foreign jurisdictions as safe havens.

Despite these concerns, Malacañang said diplomatic engagement with both France and the Czech Republic continues, anchored on mutual commitments to the rule of law and international cooperation.

Castro further said the president is open to strengthening extradition mechanisms and expanding law enforcement cooperation with partner states.

The Palace reiterated that all legal and diplomatic avenues will be pursued to secure Co’s return to the Philippines, where he faces pending graft and malversation charges.