House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III said the arrest of former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co in the Czech Republic shows that efforts to hold alleged law evaders accountable are moving forward, following confirmation from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“Nahuli na si Zaldy Co. He is now detained in Prague after crossing into the Czech Republic without proper documentation and is currently in the custody of Czech authorities,” the President said in a social media post before midnight Thursday.
Further details from the President clarified that Co was stopped at the German border after entering from the Czech Republic. He was denied entry and returned to Czech authorities, where he remains in custody as coordination between Philippine and Czech officials continues.
Dy described the development as a step toward justice and the rule of law, linking the arrest to ongoing efforts to pursue accountability over alleged corruption tied to flood control projects. “The arrest of Mr. Zaldy Co is an important step forward for justice and the rule of law. It sends a clear message that those who attempt to evade the law will be held to account,” Dy said.
He also cited the administration’s position on corruption, recalling that the President had stated in his State of the Nation Address that there is no space for corruption under his leadership and that accountability must apply to everyone, especially those entrusted with public funds.
Dy said the House of Representatives will continue its work on urgent national concerns while developments in the case unfold, including addressing the economic impact of the ongoing Middle East crisis. “We remain focused on measures that will help protect our economy, support our people and deliver concrete relief where it is needed most,” he said.
