Palace: French, Czech envoys tight-lipped on Zaldy

May 1, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — Despite President Marcos’ personally requesting them for information about flood control scam suspect Zaldy Co, the Czech and French diplomats he met last Wednesday chose to remain tight-lipped, explaining their lack of authority to speak on the matter as well as the need to follow asylum-related laws.

Czech Republic Chargé d’Affaires Eva Tenzin confirmed Marcos’ announcement last April 16 that Co was detained in Prague because of invalid travel documents, according to Undersecretary Claire Castro.

In his meeting with the diplomats, the President asked for additional information about Co, who is facing an arrest warrant for alleged malversation of public funds and graft over a questionable road dike project.

“But the President was not granted his request because the Czech Republic is following international law, European and national laws,” Castro said yesterday in Filipino.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, who traveled to the Czech Republic to process Co’s return to the Philippines, was also not given additional information, according to Castro.

“But their only response was that they cooperate in accordance with their laws,” the Palace press officer said.

Castro said Marcos also informed French Ambassador Marie Fontanel about Co’s status as a fugitive, but was not given the information he requested.

“The French ambassador said she understands and she already knows that Mr. Zaldy Co is a fugitive and he needs to face accountability. But as far as she is concerned, she said she could not provide information as long as she is (not) authorized to say something about that,” Castro added.

Marcos revealed on social media last April 16 that Co was held in Prague because he did not possess proper documents. Eight days later, the Department of Justice clarified that the flood control scam suspect was “not technically arrested,” although he experienced a “deprivation” of his liberty “to a certain degree.”

On Tuesday, Castro disclosed Co’s application for political asylum in France and disputed his claim he is facing political persecution. She also said the Philippine government won’t ask French authorities to deny Co’s asylum bid.

Castro said Marcos had described the events unfolding as “very unsatisfactory” because they happened even if the Philippines was coordinating with the Czech Republic.

“The President expressed disappointment after the release of the fugitive Co from the custody of the Czech Republic,” she added.

Castro said Marcos had also emphasized the readiness of the Philippines to fast-track the forging of extradition treaties and other similar forms of legal cooperation with other countries.

“The President gave assurance that the government would tap all legal and diplomatic means to bring the fugitive Co back to the Philippines so he can face the graft and malversation cases filed against him,” she added.