Metro Manila, Philippines – Fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co has filed a petition for political asylum in France, Malacañang said Tuesday, April 28, raising new challenges in efforts to bring him back to the Philippines.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the Department of Foreign Affairs received “highly reliable information” that Co is now under the jurisdiction of French authorities after seeking asylum on grounds of political persecution.
“Nasa France na po siya dahil doon po siya nag-file ng petition for asylum,” Castro said.
[Translation: He is already in France because he filed a petition for asylum there.]
She clarified that Co is not in detention but was transferred to France following his pending asylum request.
Justice officials confirmed that Co is no longer in the custody of Czech authorities, where he had earlier been held over the use of invalid travel documents.
Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has summoned the French ambassador and the Czech Republic’s chargé d’affaires for a meeting to discuss the situation and determine what further steps can be taken to secure Co’s return.
“Patuloy pa rin po ang gagawin ng gobyerno para po mapabalik at mapauwi si Zaldy Co dito sa ating bansa,” she said.
[Translation: The government will continue efforts to bring Zaldy Co back to the country.]
Malacañang acknowledged that Co’s asylum bid could complicate the process, as it would now involve another country’s legal system and policies.
“Dapat din po nating igalang kung ano ba ang batas at polisiya ng ibang bansa kung saan siya nag-file ng petition for asylum,” Castro said.
[Translation: We must respect the laws and policies of the country where he filed his asylum petition.]
She added that the issue would be part of discussions between Philippine and French authorities.
Castro also rejected Co’s claim of political persecution, saying he is wanted for corruption-related charges.
“Wala pong masasabing political persecution dito, maliwanag po iyan,” Castro said.
[Translation: There is no political persecution here, that is clear.]
Co is facing graft and malversation cases.
