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Former Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co remains under the custody of Czech authorities following his arrest in Prague, according to Philippine officials.
In a Facebook post, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said coordination between the Philippine government and Czech authorities is ongoing regarding Co’s case.
“Our coordination with Czech authorities continues,” the President said.
He added, “The latest information confirms that Zaldy Co was stopped at the German border after entering from the Czech Republic. He was denied entry and returned to Czech authorities, where he remains in custody.”
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) also confirmed that Co may be returned to the Philippines within one to three weeks.
According to DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is leading the deportation process.
“Maybe in as little as one week, but it could take as long as three weeks. That depends on the DFA—they’re really the lead on this, not me; I’m just coordinating,” Remulla said.
He noted complications regarding Co’s travel documents.
“Because his deportation order is based on a canceled passport—he didn’t have his Portuguese passport with him. He wasn’t carrying anything… it’s like he became complacent. So when he was arrested there, it was noted that he had no travel documents. The DFA informed them that he was a wanted person,” he added.
Authorities said Co will undergo a physical examination upon arrival at Camp Crame to determine his fitness for trial. This will be followed by his detention and arraignment before the Sandiganbayan.
Co is among those tagged as alleged masterminds in the multi-billion peso flood control and infrastructure anomalies in 2025. He faces graft and malversation charges related to the P289.4-million road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has also offered assistance in facilitating his return, saying it is coordinating with various agencies and foreign counterparts to ensure proper legal procedures.
Earlier, President Marcos announced Co’s arrest, stating: “He is now detained in Prague after crossing into the Czech Republic without proper documentation and is currently in the custody of Czech authorities.”
“We are in close coordination with the Czech government to ensure that all legal processes are followed and to arrange for his return to the Philippines at the soonest possible time,” he added.
The President assured the public: “We will keep the public informed as developments unfold.”
Co, a former chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, had long been wanted after failing to submit to the jurisdiction of the Sandiganbayan. He left the country in 2025 amid the controversy and was later declared a fugitive from justice.
An arrest warrant was issued against Co and 17 others in November 2025 over alleged irregularities in the road dike project. Investigators claimed the project was substandard and supported by falsified documents to facilitate payment to the contractor.
Co has denied the allegations, maintaining that the charges against him are politically motivated.
