Marcos requesting for more info on why Zaldy Co was released by Czech authorities

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. has asked for further information on the status of former lawmaker Zaldy Co as he met with the French envoy and the Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Czech Republic.  

The Presidential Communications Office reiterated that Marcos expressed disappointment that Co, despite the Philippines' efforts, remains at large in Europe. He said this during a meeting with French Ambassador Marie Fontanel and Eva Tenzin, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Czech Republic. 

''He requested for further information as to what transpired and why Zaldy Co was released from custody by the Czech authorities,'' the PCO said.

''Nonetheless, the President is confident of the strength of our bilateral relations with France and the Czech Republic that is grounded on shared values, including respect for the rule of law,'' the PCO added.

Meanwhile, Marcos remains hopeful of future police, legal and judicial cooperation that will bring back Co to the country. 

Co is seeking asylum in France, Malacañang announced on Tuesday, a day after Czech authorities told a Philippine mission headed by Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida that the former congressman facing graft and malversation charges was no longer in their custody.

Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said Co is under the jurisdiction of French authorities.

It was Marcos who announced that Co had been caught and was in the custody of Czech officials after having documentation issues.

Officials then announced efforts to bring him back to the Philippines, with Vida leading the team that coordinated with Czech officials.

Arrest warrants were issued against Co and 17 others, including officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and directors of Sunwest Corp. over supposed anomalous flood control projects. 

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. — RSJ, GMA News