Former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative and now-fugitive Zaldy Co is now in France after reportedly filing a petition for political asylum, according to Malacañang.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed Tuesday, April 28, that the French government has requested Co’s transfer to its jurisdiction in connection with his pending asylum application.
“Hiniling po ng France na dalhin si Zaldy Co sa France because of the pending petition for asylum,” Castro said.
Castro added that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is not expected to intervene in the decision of foreign states regarding Co’s asylum bid.
“I don’t think so. The president will not do that… he will not interfere with whatever decision other countries will make,” she said.
Castro also disclosed that Malacañang has already received a full report from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Fredderick Vida and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Maria Theresa Lazaro following high-level engagements with officials from the Czech Republic and representatives of the European Union.
She said discussions were conducted in line with respect for EU laws and member-state legal processes.
Authorities confirmed that Co is no longer in the custody of Czech authorities, and diplomatic channels are now focused on verifying his status under French jurisdiction. The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) has reportedly received “highly reliable information” that Co has an ongoing asylum application in France and has since been placed under French authority.
“All missions in Europe have been instructed to obtain further official confirmation,” Castro said.
Despite the development, the Philippine government maintained its position that it will continue pursuing all legal and diplomatic avenues to bring Co back to the country to face graft and malversation charges filed against him.
“We will work with foreign governments through every legal channel available under international law to bring Zaldy Co home and face the cases against him,” Castro added.
