Zaldy Co seeking political asylum in France – Malacañang

MANILA, Philippines – Former lawmaker Zaldy Co is now under the jurisdiction of authorities of France where he is reportedly seeking political asylum, Malacañang said on Tuesday, April 28, citing information from the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“The DFA has received highly reliable information that Zaldy Co has a pending application for political asylum in France. He has been requested to be transferred to and is now under the jurisdiction of the French authorities,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

“All missions in Europe have been instructed to obtain further official confirmation,” Castro added.

She said that the Philippine government “will work with foreign governments through every legal channel available under international laws to bring Zaldy Co home and face the graft and malversation cases filed against him.”

“Gagawin natin ang lahat nang naayon sa batas at sa diplomatikong proseso (We will do all of this following the the law and the diplomatic process),” she added.

Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has summoned the envoys of France and the Czech Republic for a meeting on Wednesday, April 29.

Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said on Monday, April 27, that Co was no longer under Czech custody, and that he was in the Schengen area. The area includes France.

Co, former Ako Bicol representative, was once chairman of the House’s powerful appropriations committee and whose business empire has been linked to allegedly anomalous government infrastructure projects. – Rappler.com