President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed disappointment over the latest developments involving former lawmaker Zaldy Co, but said no Philippine official is to blame for the setback.
Co is no longer in the custody of Czech Republic authorities and is now seeking political asylum in France.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President was informed of Co’s latest status and admitted that the government had been close to bringing him back to the Philippines.
“Nakausap po mismo natin ang Pangulo ngayong araw, at sinabi niya na disappointed siya dahil malapit na sana natin napauwi si Zaldy Co,” Castro said.
She explained that the situation became more complex due to the involvement of other countries, particularly as Co’s apparent violation involves the use of invalid documentation, which falls under Czech jurisdiction.
Despite the development, Castro said the President is not pointing fingers, stressing that concerned officials performed their duties.
“Ayon sa Pangulo ay wala siyang nakikitang dapat sisihin dahil lahat po ng opisyal na na-involve dito para po alamin kung ano ang nangyari at anong kundisyon at that time ni Zaldy Co ay nagtrabaho po nang maayos,” she said.
Castro also clarified that earlier remarks by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla about Co being brought home within two to three weeks did not come from the President or Malacañang.
Citing information from the Department of Foreign Affairs, Castro added that Co may still move within the Schengen area.
The Office of the Ombudsman has filed corruption and malversation charges against Co before the Sandiganbayan over an alleged P289-million flood control project anomaly in Oriental Mindoro.
Co has denied the allegations.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime said it has submitted requirements for a red notice request before INTERPOL.
