High-level team ready to coordinate with Czech Republic for Zaldy Co's return

A high-level coordinating team is on its way to coordinate with Czech Republic officials for the return of former lawmaker Zaldy Co.

According to Mariz Umali’s Thursday report on “24 Oras,” the team is led by Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida and Chief State Counsel Dennis Chan Mahalagaan, who will coordinate with Czech authorities to emphasize the importance of holding Co accountable in the country.

The former lawmaker is facing malversation and graft and corruption charges in relation to the flood control scandal.

In the Philippines, the Department of Justice said the Philippine government’s move to bring Co back will go through a thorough legal and diplomatic process.

“We approach this engagement with full respect for Czech legal procedures and with the understanding that the process may require time to complete properly. Walang timetable. Walang timetable. Antayin na lang po natin,” DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez said.

Since there is no extradition treaty between the Philippines and the Czech Republic, the government is looking for other legal ways to bring Co back.

However, the Justice department is hoping that Co will be deported.

“The fact that the Czech Republic is open to dialogue, that I think is very telling. Simple deportation is not only a faster route, but it's also a more plausible route than extradition,” Martinez said.

Co is currently under the custody of the Czech authorities.

The Philippine government is also preparing documents to show that Zaldy Co has pending charges before the Sandiganbayan.

This will serve as a defense in case he applies for political asylum, to argue that his return to the Philippines is for prosecution, not persecution. – Mariel Celine Serquiña/BAP, GMA News