The Philippine government is moving to bring back fugitive former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co after his arrest in Prague, Czech Republic, setting off a legal process that will determine how soon a key figure in a major flood control case faces court proceedings in the Philippines.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said all indicators point to Co being in the custody of Czech authorities following his arrest on April 16 for entering the country without proper documentation. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the arrest and directed agencies to coordinate efforts for his return.
A high-level coordination team led by the Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines will travel to Prague to meet Czech authorities and complete the legal requirements needed for Co’s transfer. The process includes formal submissions, verification of the charges and compliance with Czech legal procedures before any turnover can take place.
“The intention is to be able to meet with the Czech authorities so that we can [flesh] out possible submittals,” Vida said.
Marcos said the government will follow all required legal steps between both countries. “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.
The timeline remains uncertain. Czech authorities must act on the request under their laws, and Co may challenge deportation or seek asylum, both of which could delay the process and extend proceedings before he faces trial in the Philippines.
Co has been declared a fugitive from justice over alleged irregularities in flood control projects involving public funds. He left the Philippines in 2025 and was later reported to have stayed in several countries in Europe before his arrest.
Once returned, Co will be placed under Philippine National Police custody, undergo booking procedures and be brought before the Sandiganbayan, which will determine his detention and the next steps in the case.
