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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Philippines confident in bringing Zaldy Co back, but...

Philippines confident in bringing Zaldy Co back, but...

Published Apr 23, 2026 04:00 pm
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro and former lawmaker Zaldy Co (file photos)
PCO Undersecretary Claire Castro and former lawmaker Zaldy Co (file photos)
Malacañang said the Philippine government is "definitely confident" in bringing former lawmaker Zaldy Co back to the country, but its next steps depend on the ongoing coordination with the Czech Republic.
Citing the Philippines' resolve to secure Co's return, Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the government is confident.
However, she said its course of action depends on the agreement the country forges with the Czech Republic, where the former Ako Bicol representative was arrested.
"Kung Pilipinas lamang po ang pag-uusapan natin, definitely confident po tayo (If we are talking about the Philippines alone, we are definitely confident)," Castro said in a Palace briefing on Thursday, April 23.
"Since mayroon pong ibang bansa na involve dito, so let us just hope na maibalik agad si Zaldy Co dito sa ating bansa (Since other countries are involved, let us just hope that Zaldy Co will be brought back to our country as soon as possible)," she added.
"Pero sa ngayon po ay nakakuha ako ng kanilang update at sa ngayon po ay depende po—ang magiging aksiyon ng ating bansa, depende po sa anumang mapagkakasunduan with Czech Republic at kung ano ang magiging paraan sa pagpapabalik kay Zaldy Co (But for now, I have received their update, and at this point, the actions of our country will depend on whatever agreement is reached with the Czech Republic and on the process that will be followed in bringing Zaldy Co back)," Castro further said.
Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Fredderick Vida was scheduled to depart for the Czech Republic on Thursday to explore various legal actions to bring Co home.
Malacañang on Tuesday assured the safety of Co, one of the central figures in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal, once he is brought back to the Philippines to face prosecution.
President Marcos earlier assured the public that the government is taking all necessary and legal steps to facilitate his return. Co was stopped at the German border after entering from the Czech Republic, where he remains in custody.
He and several others are facing graft and malversation charges before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the alleged flood anomalies in a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region IV-B project.

Related Tags

Zaldy Co flood control anomalies flood control projects Czech Republic Fredderick Vida
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