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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DOJ on exact whereabouts of Zaldy Co: 'No specifics yet as of now'

DOJ on exact whereabouts of Zaldy Co: 'No specifics yet as of now'

Published Apr 25, 2026 12:10 pm  |  Updated Apr 25, 2026 02:00 pm
(Photo: Rep. Zaldy Co Facebook page)
(Photo: Rep. Zaldy Co Facebook page)
The Department of Justice (DOJ) said it has yet to determine the exact whereabouts of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, noting that there is “no specific” information available as of now.
On Thursday, April 23, DOJ Secretary Fredderick Vida traveled to the Czech Republic to explore available legal avenues, such as deportation or extradition, to secure the immediate return of Co to the Philippines.
“That is the question that I have no specific answer yet as of now. I have no relevant and validated information as to that fact,” he said in an interview with ABS-CBN News on Friday, April 24.
“So I don’t want to speculate, because that would lead to misinformation or disinformation,” he went on. 
Vida said he would refrain from making any statement until his discussions with Czech authorities have been completed.
“So hangga’t hindi po natatapos ang pakikipagpulong  ng inyong lingkod sa representatives ng Czech authorities, hindi po ako makakapagbigay ng pahayag (So until my meeting with representatives of the Czech authorities is not yet finished, I will not be able to issue a statement),” he said.
When asked about the basis for the government’s claim, Vida said it stemmed from information available to them before they left for the Czech Republic.
“Ito po ay batay sa mga impormasyon na available po sa amin bago po kami bumyahe dito (This is based on the information available to us before we traveled here),” said Vida. 
On April 16, President Marcos announced that Co had been arrested in Prague, Czech Republic, after reportedly crossing the border without proper documentation.
Prior to his arrest, Co was believed to have transferred across multiple jurisdictions in Europe despite his Philippine passport being canceled in December last year. 
Malacañang said the Marcos administration is prepared to coordinate with Portugal or any other foreign government should it be confirmed that Co possesses a Portuguese passport.
In several video posts on Facebook, Co alleged that President Marcos and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez received billions in kickbacks, allegations the Palace has dismissed as fabricated blackmail. 
He further alleged that officials authorized P100 billion in budget insertions for 2025.

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DOJ exact whereabouts Zaldy Co No specific yet as of now CZECH REPUBLIC DOJ Secretary Vida Justice
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