Malacañang said the Philippine government will coordinate with foreign governments to bring back former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co so he can face charges over alleged ghost flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“Nananatiling matatag ang posisyon ng pamahalaan. We will work with foreign governments through every legal channel available… to bring Zaldy Co home and face the graft and malversation cases filed against him,” Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said.
She added, “Gagawin natin ang lahat ng naaayon sa batas at sa diplomatikong proseso.”
Castro also confirmed the Department of Foreign Affairs received information that Co has a pending asylum petition in France.
She said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is expected to discuss the matter with French and Czech officials in upcoming diplomatic engagements.
“Si Pangulo po ay makikipag-usap sa Ambassador of France… at iniimbitahan din ang chargé d’affaires ng Czech Republic,” she said.
Castro added Malacañang received updates from the DOJ and DFA on Co’s status, noting that coordination with European authorities is ongoing.
“Sa kasalukuyan, kumpirmadong wala na sa kustodiya ng Czech authorities si Zaldy Co… All missions in Europe have been instructed to obtain further official confirmation,” she said.
