President Bongbong Marcos said Monday the government is undertaking all necessary legal steps to bring fugitive former lawmaker Rep. Zaldy Co back to the Philippines, as he remains in the custody of authorities in the Czech Republic.
Marcos said he directed the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs, to lead coordination with Czech authorities, adding that a high-level team will be sent to oversee the process. He said the procedures will follow established legal steps between countries and will require time to complete.
“We will bring Zaldy Co home, and we will do so in accordance with the law. He will answer to the Filipino people,” Marcos said.
The case carries weight beyond one arrest abroad. Co is one of 16 individuals facing charges of graft and malversation linked to a ₱289 million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The project was undertaken by Sunwest Corporation, a firm owned by his immediate family members. Flood control projects are designed to protect communities from damage during heavy rains and disasters. Any issue tied to how these projects are funded and implemented directly affects public safety and the use of government resources.
The Anti-Money Laundering Council alleged that Co received ₱802 million through check deposits drawn from Sunwest accounts from 2019 to 2025, a period that coincided with his tenure as a lawmaker. Public officials are prohibited from having business interests.
The Sandiganbayan has declared Co a fugitive from justice.
He was arrested while attempting to enter Germany from the Czech Republic without proper documents and was turned over to Czech authorities, where he remains in custody.
Marcos said the government is coordinating with Czech authorities to ensure that all necessary procedures are carried out properly and in accordance with due process. The next step is for the government to complete the legal process required to bring him back to the Philippines to face the charges in court.
