Palace Press Officer Claire Castro pushed back against claims that Malacañang is withholding information on fugitive former lawmaker Rep. Zaldy Co. The statement came after President Bongbong Marcos met with envoys from France and the Czech Republic to seek updates on Co’s status.
The meeting, held on April 29 at Malacañang, centered on Co’s situation following his detention in the Czech Republic and his subsequent movement within Europe. Foreign officials did not provide detailed information, citing legal and privacy restrictions that limit what can be disclosed.
Co is currently in France seeking asylum while facing criminal charges in the Philippines. He was earlier detained in Prague due to issues with his travel documents before leaving Czech custody. The Sandiganbayan has issued an arrest warrant against him in connection with a corruption case.
Malacañang said France declined to discuss details of Co’s asylum request, while Czech authorities limited disclosures to information already made public. Both governments pointed to legal constraints in handling the case, particularly in relation to individual asylum proceedings and jurisdiction.
Castro said the government is not hiding information and stressed that the limitations came from foreign jurisdictions, not Manila. She added that while the President sought more clarity from European counterparts, responses remained bound by their respective legal systems.
Marcos expressed disappointment over the developments but said relations with France and the Czech Republic remain intact. The situation highlights the limits of Philippine authority in pursuing Co, as he remains outside its custody under European legal protections.
