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Advocates Philippines
DOJ Moves To Bring Zaldy Co Home As Legal Team Heads To Czech Republic
Photo credit: Zaldy Co
The Philippine government is stepping up efforts to bring former lawmaker Zaldy Co back home, with a delegation set to travel to the Czech Republic to finalize legal arrangements for his return.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said authorities are confident they are following the right legal process and are exploring multiple options to secure Co’s return.
According to Vida, the effort has been in motion since November 2025, when the Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant against Co, who previously chaired the House Committee on Appropriations.
He also dismissed speculation about Co’s whereabouts, confirming that the former congressman is currently under the custody of Czech authorities after being arrested in Prague last week for entering the country without proper documentation.
Co is a key suspect in alleged irregularities involving ghost flood control projects and questionable budget insertions. So far, three arrest warrants have been issued against him.
As for where Co will be detained once he returns to the Philippines, Vida said that decision will ultimately rest with the Sandiganbayan. He stressed there will be no special treatment, noting that most accused in similar cases are held in Quezon City—but the court will have the final say.
With legal groundwork now underway abroad, the focus shifts to how soon Co can be brought back to face the charges waiting for him at home.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said authorities are confident they are following the right legal process and are exploring multiple options to secure Co’s return.
According to Vida, the effort has been in motion since November 2025, when the Sandiganbayan issued an arrest warrant against Co, who previously chaired the House Committee on Appropriations.
He also dismissed speculation about Co’s whereabouts, confirming that the former congressman is currently under the custody of Czech authorities after being arrested in Prague last week for entering the country without proper documentation.
Co is a key suspect in alleged irregularities involving ghost flood control projects and questionable budget insertions. So far, three arrest warrants have been issued against him.
As for where Co will be detained once he returns to the Philippines, Vida said that decision will ultimately rest with the Sandiganbayan. He stressed there will be no special treatment, noting that most accused in similar cases are held in Quezon City—but the court will have the final say.
With legal groundwork now underway abroad, the focus shifts to how soon Co can be brought back to face the charges waiting for him at home.
Apr 22, 2026
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