Metro Manila, Philippines – Justice Secretary Frederick Vida said there was nothing premature about President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announcing that former lawmaker Zaldy Co was under Czech jurisdiction, stressing that the government acted on verified information available at the time.
Speaking from the Philippine Embassy in Prague, Vida pushed back against criticism that the announcement may have been made too early, saying he would not speculate on that claim.
“I don’t want to speculate na baka premature,” Vida told reporters, adding that the government continues to validate the facts on Co’s situation on the ground.
The justice chief said the announcement helped draw public attention to the case, which he described as a priority for the government.
“Hindi na-jinx, hindi na-pasama. Nakita ninyo nung nag-announce si presidente, ang atensyon at focus ng sambayanang Pilipino nandoon,” Vida said.
[Translation: It was not jinxed, it did not make things worse. You saw that when the President announced it, the attention and focus of the Filipino people were on it.]
Despite the earlier announcement, Vida acknowledged that authorities are still working to confirm Co’s exact whereabouts and legal status.
He said the latest information available to Philippine authorities came from immigration and police counterparts, but cautioned against speculation until formal coordination with Czech authorities is completed.
“I have no relevant and validated information as to that fact. I don’t want to speculate,” he said in an earlier exchange when asked about Co’s precise location.
Vida also admitted there is no guarantee that Co remains within Czech jurisdiction.
“There’s no such guarantee. We need to respect their laws,” he said.
