It is the government’s next course of action in securing the return of the ex-lawmaker to the country.
On Thursday, April 23, Malacañan Palace confirmed that Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida is departing for the Czech Republic to meet with his counterparts in the European country.
The said move follows the recent arrest of former Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co, who was said to have been intercepted by authorities as he attempted to cross from the German border.
According to the Palace, the outcome of ongoing coordination and agreement with the Czech Republic will determine the next steps that the Philippine government will take to bring Co back to the country.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro noted, “Nakakuha ako ng kanilang update at sa ngayon ay depende… ang magiging aksiyon ng ating bansa, depende sa anumang mapagkakasunduan with Czech Republic at kung ano ang magiging paraan sa pagpapabalik kay Zaldy Co.”
While the Palace officer noted that she is “definitely confident” that Co will be brought back to the Philippines, she still remarked, “Since mayroong ibang bansa na involved dito, so let us just hope na maibalik agad si Zaldy Co dito sa ating bansa.”
Prior to this, Malacañang assured the safety of former Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co once he is brought back to the Philippines to face prosecution in relation to the flood control scandal.
“Definitely naman, lahat naman ng Pilipino ay dapat safe na bumabalik sa Pilipinas – iyan naman po ang assurance ng pamahalaan. Pero dapat tingnan muna po natin kung saan nanggagaling iyong sinasabing death threats,” Castro said then.
A legislator said the biggest challenge in bringing Co back to the Philippines is ensuring his safety, warning that some groups may not want him to return to testify on the flood-control controversy.
President Marcos had also previously assured the public earlier that the government is taking all necessary and legal steps to bring home Co.
The ex-lawmaker and several others are facing graft and malversation charges before the Sandiganbayan in connection with the alleged flood anomalies in a DPWH Region IV-B (MIMAROPA) project.