Malacañang Palace pushed back against former presidential spokesman Harry Roque over his claim that the reported arrest of former lawmaker Zaldy Co was fake news.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro questioned Roque’s credibility, citing earlier statements from Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, also known as Secretary Vida.
“Ang Pangulo po ay nagsalita na. Si Secretary Vida ay nagsalita na rin. So, bakit po ba natin paniniwalaan ang isang fake news peddler?” Castro said.
Last week, Marcos announced that Co had been arrested. Co is among 16 individuals facing graft and malversation charges linked to a P289-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
However, in a Facebook post, Roque disputed the President’s statement, citing clarification from authorities in the Czech Republic. He said while there had been an “intervention,” there was no arrest or detention of Co.
“Czech authorities have confirmed that there was indeed an ‘intervention’ but no arrest or detention of Zaldy Co took place. This directly refutes the earlier assertion that he had been apprehended,” Roque said.
He added that the President’s claim raises serious questions, saying it may have been “premature and unverified,” and could have contributed to the spread of misinformation involving international law enforcement.
Amid the conflicting statements, Marcos has directed the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with Czech authorities to ensure due process in facilitating Co’s return to the Philippines.
