Palace rejects Zaldy Co’s political persecution claim in France asylum bid

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro on April 28 denied fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co’s reported basis of political persecution in his petition for political asylum in France.

During a press briefing, Castro read a Palace statement, saying that Co has been requested to be transferred and is now in France and under the jurisdiction of its authorities.

“The DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) has received highly reliable information that Zaldy Co has a pending petition for political asylum in France,” Castro said

When asked about Co’s basis for filing the petition, the palace official said that Co is reported to have cited political persecution.

“Sa ngayon hindi ko po alam ano yung pinaka timeline…kung kailan siya nag-file ng petition for asylum. Pero alam natin na bago pa man nangyari ang lahat, siya ay hinahabol na at pinababalik dito para sagutin ang mga alegasyon tungkol sa malversation at pagnakaw diumano ng pondo ng bayan. So wala pong masasabing political persecution dito, maliwanag po ‘yan,” Castro said, referring to the reported claim.

She also said that all Philippine missions in Europe have been instructed to obtain further official confirmation.

“Nananatiling matatag ang posisyon ng pamahalaan. We will work with foreign governments through every legal channel available under international law to bring Zaldy Co home and face the graft and malversation cases filed against him,” Castro added, saying the government will act in accordance with the law and diplomatic processes.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on April 29 sought clarity and stronger cooperation from the French ambassador and the Czech Republic’s chargé d’affaires in the Philippines regarding Co’s case.

Marcos expressed disappointment over the situation involving Co, noting that despite the country’s efforts, he remains at large in Europe.

“He requested for further information as to what transpired and why Zaldy Co was released from custody by the Czech authorities,” the PCO said in a statement.

Despite this, the president reaffirmed the country’s strong bilateral ties with France and the Czech Republic and called for enhanced police, legal, and judicial cooperation to facilitate Co’s return.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida earlier confirmed that Co was accosted for immigration violations and was under the custody of the Czech Republic but was later released.

Arrest warrants were issued by the Sandiganbayan against Zaldy Co and others over alleged corruption and malversation linked to a Php 289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

The former House representative has been at large since July 2025 since the flood control anomalies have boomed.