President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. assured that former lawmaker Zaldy Co will be brought back to the Philippines “in accordance with the law,” following his arrest and detention under authorities in the Czech Republic.
Marcos said Co would be made to answer before the Filipino people, stressing that legal procedures are being strictly observed. He has directed the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs to lead coordination efforts with Czech authorities to ensure due process in facilitating Co’s return.
The President noted that Co remains in the custody of Czech officials while the Philippine government undertakes the necessary legal steps,
”Inutusan ko ang Department of Justice kasama ang Department of Foreign Affairs na pangunahan ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga awtoridad ng Czech Republic upang matiyak na maayos at naayon na proseso ang lahat ng kinakailangan,” he added.
Co is among 16 individuals charged with graft and malversation over a P289-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro, allegedly linked to Sunwest Construction and Development Corporation, a firm owned by his family.
Former Department of Public Works and Highways district engineer Henry Alcantara earlier implicated Co and other officials in alleged kickbacks tied to supposed ghost flood control projects.
Co, a former chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, has denied the allegations. He left for the United States in August 2025 for medical treatment and had not returned to the Philippines prior to his arrest.
The President earlier confirmed that Co was apprehended last week during a random border check while traveling with his family from the Czech Republic to Germany.
