Marcos 'disappointed' with latest status of Zaldy Co but not blaming PH officials

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. is disappointed with the recent developments involving former lawmaker Zaldy Co as he's no longer with Czech authorities and he's seeking asylum in France.Palace

Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said she spoke with the President regarding the recent status of Co, who is charged in relation to flood control anomalies.''Nakausap po mismo natin ang Pangulo ngayong araw, at sinabi niya na disappointed siya dahil malapit na sana natin napauwi si Zaldy Co,'' Castro said.

(I was able to talk to the President and he said he's disappointed as we're about to bring Zaldy Co back to the country.)

''But since mayroon nga pong ibang bansang involved at ang lumalabas lamang po na kaniyang na-violate ay ang paggamit ng invalid documentation, so ang bansang Czech Republic po ang siyang mag-uutos kung ano ang gagawin kay Zaldy Co,'' she added.(But since another country was involved and Co's only violation was the invalid documentation, it was the Czech Republic that had the authority to direct what will happen to Zaldy Co.)

Not blaming anyone

Despite being disappointed, Castro said the President is not blaming anyone over what happened to Co, saying that government officials have worked efficiently to bring the former lawmaker home.

''Ayon sa Pangulo ay wala siyang nakikitang dapat sisihin dahil lahat po ng opisyal na na-involve dito para po alamin kung ano ang nangyari at anong kundisyon at that time ni Zaldy Co ay nagtrabaho po nang maayos,'' she said.

(According to the President, he's not blaming anyone as all officials involved worked properly at that time.)

Asked about the statement of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla that Co would be brought home in two to three weeks, Castro said it was not the pronouncement of the President nor the Palace.

Malacañang has said Co is seeking political asylum in France, citing political persecution.

Citing information from the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Palace official said Co may actually roam around the Schengen area.

The Ombudsman filed with the Sandiganbayan corruption and malversation of public funds charges against Co and others. The charges were in connection with the alleged anomalous P289 million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. 

Co has since maintained his innocence over these corruption allegations.

The Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) said the requirements of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for a red notice against the ex-lawmaker have been submitted to authorities. —VAL, GMA News