Marcos summons French, Czech envoys over Zaldy Co

WorldPolitics
29 Apr 2026 • 6:04 PM MYT
The Manila Times
The Manila Times

One of the longest-running English broadsheets in the Philippines

Marcos summons French, Czech envoys over Zaldy Co

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday met with French Ambassador to the Philippines Marie Fontanel, and the Czech Chargé d'affaires Eva Tenzin to discuss the situation of fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co.

In a statement, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said that Marcos expressed disappointment at the whole situation with Co and that despite the Philippines’ earnest efforts, he remained at large in Europe.

The PCO said Marcos requested for further information as to what transpired and why Co was released from custody by the Czech authorities.

"Nonetheless, the President is confident of the strength of our bilateral relations with France and the Czech Republic that is grounded on shared values, including respect for the rule of law," the PCO said.

"Moving forward, he remains hopeful of future police, legal and judicial cooperation, so that once and for all Zaldy Co is brought back to PH to face justice," it added.