Former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque on Saturday questioned reports that former lawmaker Zaldy Co had been arrested in Prague, calling the claims fake.
Roque raised doubts over earlier statements from Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who said Co had been arrested and was in custody after being stopped at the German border and returned to Czech authorities.
“Our coordination with Czech authorities continues… he remains in custody,” Marcos said in a previous statement.
Despite Roque’s remarks, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed that Co had been arrested and that authorities are working on his deportation to the Philippines.
Co’s passport had earlier been canceled by the Sandiganbayan in December 2025, removing his legal basis to remain abroad.
The former Ako Bicol representative faces graft and malversation charges linked to an alleged P289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro, along with other officials.
He has also been linked to other controversies involving government contracts, though these remain under investigation and no final ruling has been issued.
Malacañang has yet to respond to Roque’s latest remarks as questions persist over Co’s status and whereabouts.
