FUGITIVE businessman and former lawmaker Zaldy Co has filed a request for political asylum in France, Malacañang confirmed on Tuesday.
This development comes just a day after authorities from the Czech Republic informed a Philippine delegation led by Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida that Co was no longer in their custody, marking a major shift in the government’s efforts to secure his return to face legal cases.
The accused is facing serious charges including graft and malversation of public funds, linked to the controversial anomalies uncovered in government flood control and infrastructure projects.
According to Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro, the update was based on credible information relayed by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
She disclosed that Co has formally submitted a petition seeking protection in France, claiming that he is a victim of political persecution.
“The DFA has received highly reliable information that Zaldy Co has a pending petition for political asylum in France,” Castro stated during a press briefing. She added that the accused has already been turned over to French authorities and is now under their jurisdiction, placing the responsibility for his custody and legal status under the laws and processes of the European nation.
Castro also noted that given France’s membership in the Schengen Area, Co may have the ability to travel freely across several European countries while his application is being processed.
This situation presents additional challenges for Philippine authorities, as it expands the territory where the accused can move while legal and diplomatic arrangements are being finalized. In response, the government has directed all its diplomatic posts across Europe to actively gather more details and secure official confirmation of the situation, ensuring that they remain updated on developments and can take the necessary steps to advance their request for his repatriation.
The turn of events marks a significant reversal from earlier announcements made by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. last Thursday, when he confirmed that Co had been located and placed under the custody of Czech authorities following issues with his travel documents.
At that time, the administration expressed confidence that arrangements could be made to bring him back home promptly, leading to the dispatch of Secretary Vida and his team to coordinate with their counterparts in Prague. With Co now under French jurisdiction and pursuing asylum, the government will need to adjust its strategy and engage new diplomatic channels to ensure that he is made to answer for the allegations filed against him in the Philippines.
