Citing a Czech official, who confirmed it during a meeting with the President.
On Thursday, April 30, the Malacañan Palace noted that Czech officials have corroborated the earlier pronouncement made by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the arrest of ex-lawmaker Zaldy Co in the Czech Republic.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro cited Czech Republic Chargé d’Affaires Eva Tenzin, who confirmed this during a meeting with the President, that Co was indeed placed under Czech custody because his travel documents were invalid.
President Marcos met Tenzin in Malacañang on Wednesday.
“Mr. President, you are correct in your information that Zaldy Co was detained by Czech authorities due to invalid travel documents,” Castro said, quoting Tenzin, and emphasized that the statement validated the President’s earlier remarks about Co’s detention.
Castro said the President expressed disappointment over Co’s subsequent release from Czech custody and noted that the former lawmaker remains in Europe.
She also added that President Marcos sought a clear explanation of the circumstances surrounding the release.
The chief executive also underscored that other countries should not serve as safe havens for individuals facing charges in the Philippines.
“Sinabi po niya na dismayado siya sa nangyari. At very unsatisfactory ‘yung naging result dahil habang patuloy na nakikipag-ugnayan ang bansa sa Czech Republic habang nandoon si Zaldy Co ay biglang naputol ang pagbibigay ng impormasyon,” Castro divulged.
Tenzin, meanwhile, explained legal constraints under international, European, Czech laws led them to releasing Co, who is facing chages in the Philippines in connection with the flood control scandal. The country’s cooperation is limited by its legal framework, the Czech official told.
On the same day, Marcos also held a separate meeting with French Republic Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel, in connection with Co’s case.
As per recent reports, the former Ako Bicol representative is now in France, where he is seeking to secure an asylum.
When asked about possibility of engaging French President Emmanuel Macron to help secure Co’s return, Castro said authorities cited legal limitations and could not provide further information.