Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed the arrest of former lawmaker Zaldy Co in Prague, Czech Republic over corruption charges, after months of evading authorities
“Nahuli na si Zaldy Co [Zaldy Co has been arrested],” Marcos said, adding that Co is now in custody after allegedly entering the Czech Republic without proper documentation.
The government is coordinating with Czech authorities for his possible return to the Philippines.
Co left the country in September 2025, citing medical treatment abroad, but failed to return as investigations into alleged irregularities in flood control projects intensified.
Amid mounting scrutiny, he resigned from the House of Representatives in the same month.
On Nov. 21, 2025, the Sandiganbayan issued arrest warrants and a hold departure order against Co and a number of others over a questionable flood control project in Oriental Mindoro. The anti-graft court declared the former congressman a “fugitive from justice.”
Authorities later sought an Interpol Blue Notice to track him outside the country.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said his passport could only be canceled upon receipt of a court order, as required under the law.
Co was subsequently tagged as a fugitive after repeatedly failing to appear in court proceedings.
He is facing graft and malversation charges tied to a ₱289.5-million flood control project, with other officials and contractors.
Separate complaints have also linked him to alleged kickbacks involving infrastructure and flood
In a separate statement on Friday, April 17, Marcos said Co was denied entry at the German border and returned to Czech custody.
“Our coordination with Czech authorities continues,” Marcos said.
“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 president added.
Co’s lawyer Ruy Rondain told NewsWatch Plus that he has yet to confirm the arrest of his clients.
