The Philippines will dispatch a high-level coordination team to the Czech Republic to work on efforts to bring back former Rep. Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co, who is currently detained in Prague in connection with the flood control corruption controversy.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the government is acting to ensure Co’s return is done through proper legal channels.
In a video statement, Marcos Jr. confirmed that Co remains under Czech custody and that the Philippines is exerting all efforts to bring him home.
The President has directed the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs to coordinate with Czech authorities to facilitate the process.
“Magpapadala din ng high-level coordination team upang tutukan ito,” according to Marcos.
The President emphasized that the process must follow international legal procedures and will take time to complete. “Ang ganitong mga proseso ay may sinusunod na mga legal na hakbang sa pagitan ng mga bansa. Kaya’t nangangailangan ng sapat na panahon upang maisagawa ng tama,” he added.
Despite this, Marcos Jr. assured the public that Co will be returned to face accountability in the Philippines.
“We will bring Zaldy Co home and we will do so in accordance with the law. He will answer to the Filipino people,” he said.
Co was earlier stopped at the German border and later detained by Czech authorities for lacking proper documentation. His passport was previously cancelled after graft and malversation charges were filed in connection with an allegedly anomalous flood control project.IMT
