Marcos ‘expresses disappointment’ over Zaldy Co release – PCO
MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday expressed disappointment over the release of fugitive Zaldy Co to French and Czech diplomats but remains hopeful for future cooperation to bring the former lawmaker back to the Philippines, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.
Marcos met French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel and the Embassy of the Czech Republic to the Philippines’ Chargé d’Affaires Eva Tenzin in Malacañang to discuss what transpired during Co’s attempt to cross the German border from the Czech Republic, up to his application for political asylum in France.
READ: Palace: Marcos summons French, Czech envoys over fugitive Zaldy Co
“He expressed disappointment at the whole situation with Zaldy Co and that despite the Philippines’ earnest efforts, Zaldy Co remains at large in Europe,” the PCO’s statement read.
Marcos also requested further information on what transpired and why Co was released from custody by Czech authorities.
The PCO said Marcos is confident in the strength of the Philippines’ bilateral relations with France and the Czech Republic, which are grounded in “shared values, including respect for the rule of law.”
“Moving forward, he remains hopeful of future police, legal, and judicial cooperation, so that once and for all Zaldy Co is brought back to PH to face justice,” it added.
In Tuesday’s briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Co is currently in France seeking asylum on the grounds of political persecution.
READ: Palace: Zaldy Co seeking asylum in France for ‘political persecution’
She said Marcos will not interfere with the French government’s decision on Co’s application but expressed concern over politicians using the asylum route to evade local justice.
Unlike in the Czech Republic, where Co was held in custody, Castro said the former lawmaker is now free to move within the Schengen Area, where he currently holds a visa.
Co is facing criminal charges as one of the central figures in the public works corruption scandal. In November, the Sandiganbayan anti-graft court issued a warrant for his arrest and later ordered his passport canceled as he remained a fugitive. /mcm
