Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will not issue an apology over developments involving fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co, despite public criticism following his earlier announcement that Co had been under Czech jurisdiction, Malacañang said..

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the president’s statements were based on verified information at the time and did not warrant an apology.

“Ibalik ko ang tanong: Saan po siya dapat mag-apologize?” Castro said when asked if Marcos should apologize.

[Translation: I will return the question: Where should he apologize?]

“Ang kaniyang ini-report naman po ay tama… wala po tayong nakikita na maaaring sabihing pagkakamali ng Pangulo,” she added.

[Translation: What he reported was correct… we see no mistake on the part of the President.]

Castro said Marcos was “disappointed” over the latest developments, with Co no longer in Czech custody and believed to be in France, where he has reportedly sought political asylum.

“Nakausap po mismo natin ang pangulo ngayong araw, at sinabi niya na disappointed siya dahil malapit na sana nating napauwi si Zaldy Co,” Castro said.

[Translation: We spoke with the president today, and he said he is disappointed because we were already close to bringing Zaldy Co home.]

Malacañang said there is no one to blame for the situation.

“Lahat po ng opisyal na na-involve dito ay nagtrabaho po nang maayos,” Castro said.

[Translation: All officials involved worked properly.]