President Bongbong Marcos said yesterday he is now coordinating with Czech authorities after the arrest of former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co, shifting the case from pursuit to actual enforcement as the government moves to bring him back to the Philippines.
The announcement triggered a surge of online attention overnight, with reports of Co’s arrest in Prague rapidly spreading across platforms and dominating public discussion. The case drew strong reactions as the image of a fugitive lawmaker taken into custody abroad brought renewed scrutiny to the charges he faces and intensified calls for accountability.
Co was arrested in Prague and is now in the custody of Czech authorities after crossing into the country without proper documentation. Marcos confirmed that the Philippine government is working closely with Czech officials to follow legal procedures and arrange Co’s return so he can face charges in court.
The arrest comes after months of mounting action against the former lawmaker. In February 2026, the Sandiganbayan declared Co a fugitive following the filing of graft and malversation charges tied to an anomalous flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The designation meant Co had not submitted himself to the court’s jurisdiction despite the ongoing case.
Before this, the House of Representatives had attempted to force his return by revoking his travel authority. Co resigned from his post before the move could be completed, removing himself from the chamber’s direct control as pressure continued to build.
His departure from office came even as his Philippine passport had been canceled. Reports indicated he was able to remain overseas using a foreign passport and a golden visa from Portugal, allowing him to stay outside the country despite actions taken against him.
With his arrest abroad, the case has entered a new phase. The focus is now on securing his return and ensuring he answers for allegations involving the use of public funds.
The development places accountability at the center of the issue as the government works to bring a former lawmaker back under Philippine jurisdiction, with legal proceedings set to move forward once he is returned.
