MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday said the Philippine government’s coordination with the Czech authorities "continues" following the arrest of fugitive Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co.
“The latest information confirms that Zaldy Co was stopped at the German border after entering from the Czech Republic. He was denied entry and returned to Czech authorities, where he remains in custody,” Marcos said in a social media post.
The Manila Times reached out to Co's lawyer, Ruy Alberto Rondain who said: "I have no confirmation on anything, so I have no comment at this time."
Trillion Pesos March organizer and Tindig Pilipinas co-convenor Kiko Aquino Dee said Co’s arrest was a positive development.
In a Messenger chat with The Manila Times late Thursday night, Dee said he hoped that " the [Marcos] administration will guarantee his [Co] safety once he is turned over to their custody so he can shed light on the flood control scam, including the President’s possible involvement in it.”
Dee said, however, that former speaker Martin Romualdez should be the next one to be charged.
“I think filing charges against Martin Romualdez would be a strong signal that the government is not shielding allies, even the President’s family members, from accountability,” Dee said.
“We’re continuing to monitor the corruption issue, especially in light of how it has compounded the cost of living crisis brought about by the war in the Middle East,” he added.
Co, who served at the House of Representatives from 2019 to 2025, was known for his involvement in the controversy on the flood control funding in the Bicol region. WITH RED MENDOZA