At Mass in Prague, DOJ chief Vida prays for pursuit of justice

PRAGUE – During Mass at a Catholic shrine in Prague, Department of Justice (DOJ) Acting Secretary Fredderick Vida prayed to receive “help in his work” regarding former congressman Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co.

“I always pray for everything that’s good for our country. Tulungan ako sa trabaho ko. Hindi kasi madali ito. (I pray that I would be helped in my work, as this is not easy). At yung pursuit natin (And I pray for our pursuit) in justice, given the mandate that I’m the Secretary of Justice,” Vida told reporters in a short briefing in Prague.

He attended the English language Mass at the Church of Our Lady Victorious and the Infant Jesus of Prague, also known to Filipino pilgrims as the Santo Niño Church.

Vida was accompanied by Chief State Counsel Atty. Dennis Chan and Philippine Ambassador to the Czech Republic Eduardo Martin Meñez.

The Justice Secretary said he also prayed for his family and personal health.

“I prayed for my health, kasi na-miss ko nang dalawang araw yung meds ko (because I missed taking my medicines for two days). And of course, success.” 

Vida said his meeting with counterparts with Czech authorities to gather details about Co “will push through.”

Asked by reporters whether this task is “mission impossible,” Vida replied: “Definitely not.”

“We do our role as diligent public servants. But everything still happens by God’s grace.”

Last week, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced that Co – a former Ako Bicol Pary-List congressman and ex-House appropriations panel chair tagged in the flood control mess – would be brought back to the Philippines in “one to three weeks.”

READ: ‘Clearer picture’ emerging on how Zaldy Co moved in Europe —DOJ

Reporters asked Vida whether it was his wish to escort Co back on this visit or next time.

“May confidentiality kami ni Lord eh (I spoke in confidence to the Lord), so I cannot disclose that,” he said.

Next plans

Earlier, Vida said he would be back in Manila by April 30.

Asked by reporters about his schedule, Vida said he would have “another appointment in Rome” on Tuesday, April 28.

“That is also for my work – this is relative to the protection and special safeguarding of women and children. I hope to have a meeting with (Luis Antonio) Cardinal Tagle,” he added. — JMA, GMA News