Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co is currently living in a 10-bedroom mansion along the Champs-Élysées in France. Remulla estimated the property could be worth as much as 200 million euros, or P14 billion.
The statement came as Philippine authorities continued efforts to bring Co back to the country over corruption and malversation charges tied to alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects.
Remulla disclosed the information during a Kapihan sa Samahang Plaridel forum on Friday. He said the mansion is located near the Christian Dior flagship store along the famous avenue leading to the Arc de Triomphe.
Authorities had earlier tracked Co in the Czech Republic after he allegedly attempted to cross into Germany using questionable travel documents. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. previously confirmed Co had been detained in Prague before Czech authorities later released him following court proceedings.
Meanwhile, Malacañang said Co has begun seeking political asylum in France. Remulla said the government remains hopeful it can secure Co’s return before French authorities decide on the application, which could take several months.
“I am confident na bago matapos yung asylum application niya, makukuha na natin si Zaldy,” Remulla said regarding government efforts to secure Co’s return before France rules on his asylum bid.
The Office of the Ombudsman earlier filed graft, corruption and malversation charges against Co and several others before the Sandiganbayan. The case centers on an allegedly anomalous P289.5-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro that supposedly involved questionable certifications and accomplishment reports.
The DILG also said the Philippine government applied for an Interpol red notice against Co as early as September 2025. Under Interpol rules, a red notice asks law enforcement agencies worldwide to locate and provisionally arrest a person pending extradition or similar legal action.
