Palace: Marcos asked envoy why France sought Zaldy Co's release

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is looking for answers as to why France requested for the release of former lawmaker Zaldy Co from the custody of the Czech Republic. 

This was according to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro on Thursday when asked about Marcos’ meeting with French Ambassador Marie Fontanel on Wednesday. 

According to Castro, the envoy did not provide further information, noting the President respected this.

“Tinanong kasi ni Pangulo kay French ambassador kung bakit nirequest ng bansang France ‘yung pagrelease ni Zaldy Co from Czech Republic,” Castro told reporters.

“Pero ang tugon lang ni French Ambassador ay hindi siya makakapagbigay ng impormasyon so ginagalang ito ng Pangulo,” she added. 

Castro had said Marcos was dismayed on Co being released from the custody of Czech authorities, describing the outcome as ''very unsatisfactory.'' 

Co is reportedly seeking asylum in France, citing political persecution in the Philippines. 

The Palace official, citing information from the Department of Foreign Affairs, said the former lawmaker is under the jurisdiction of French authorities.

To recall, it was Marcos who announced on April 16 that Co had been caught and was in the custody of Czech officials after issues with his travel documents.

Meanwhile, Malacañang said Thursday the Czech Republic refused to provide further details regarding the circumstances surrounding former lawmaker Zaldy Co during a meeting with Marcos.

On Wednesday, Marcos met with French Ambassador Marie Fontanel and Eva Tenzin, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Czech Republic regarding Co's case. During the meeting, Tenzin confirmed to the President that Co was indeed held in custody due to invalid travel documents.  

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

A witness from the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) recently said Co, the former House appropriations committee chairperson and Ako Bicol party-list representative, allegedly received P802 million from Sunwest Construction, the contractor of the alleged ghost P289-million flood control project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. —RF, GMA News