Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said Saturday that authorities are preparing for a possible trip to France to coordinate with foreign agencies as they look into the stay abroad of Sen. Loren Legarda and former lawmaker Zaldy Co, both facing corruption-related issues in the Philippines.

Remulla, speaking on DZRH’s Executive Session, said the Ombudsman is continuing its groundwork ahead of any planned visit, stressing the need to establish a clear itinerary and coordinate with relevant agencies before the trip.

“Sa aming pakikiramdam, parang ayaw ni Loren Legarda bumalik [ng Pilipinas],” Remulla said.

Legarda has been abroad since Aug. 2 and has repeatedly extended her medical leave from the Senate. She has denied that she left the country to evade any charges, saying her continued stay abroad is related to a lung condition.

Remulla noted that the Philippines does not have an extradition treaty with France but said this does not necessarily prevent authorities from pursuing mechanisms to bring individuals back to the country.

He said he has already written to the French ambassador to request a meeting and expects to hold discussions within the next 10 days.

Remulla also said the Philippine delegation plans to coordinate with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), which is based in Paris and sets international standards against money laundering.

The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) is also expected to join the planned trip, while coordination with the European Union (EU) and Interpol may also be pursued.

“We need to prepare for the trip. May exchange of information muna,” Remulla said.

The Ombudsman chief clarified that the planned visit to France does not mean authorities will immediately bring Legarda or Co back to the Philippines.

Co is currently in France and has reportedly sought political asylum amid plunder and corruption allegations linked to an alleged flood-control scam.