Zaldy Co FILE

Former congressman Zaldy Co is now in France and has filed a petition for political asylum, according to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

Castro said Philippine authorities received highly reliable information from the Department of Foreign Affairs confirming that Co has a pending asylum request and is currently under the jurisdiction of French authorities. This development follows earlier reports that Co had already left the Czech Republic, where he was previously believed to be staying.

Government officials clarified that Co is not under detention in France. Instead, his transfer to the country is tied to the processing of his asylum petition under French and international protection laws.

Despite this, the Philippine government maintains that it will continue pursuing his return. Authorities said they will coordinate with foreign governments and use all available legal channels under international law to bring Co back to the Philippines.

Co is facing graft and malversation cases, although specific details about the charges and their latest status have not been fully disclosed in recent briefings. His asylum bid could complicate efforts to repatriate him, depending on how French authorities rule on his request.

Political asylum is granted to individuals who claim they are at risk of persecution in their home country. France evaluates such applications based on international agreements, including the 1951 Refugee Convention, which sets standards for the protection of asylum seekers.