MANILA — Former lawmaker Zaldy Co will first be turned over to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) before being brought under the custody of the Sandiganbayan upon his arrival in the Philippines, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

In a report, PNP spokesperson Randulf Tuaño said Co may be handed over by the Department of Foreign Affairs to the CIDG once he arrives in the country.

“Handang-handa na po ang Philippine National Police sa pagdating niya sa Pilipinas,” Tuaño said.

He said Co will undergo medical and booking procedures before being transferred to the anti-graft court, which will determine the detention facility where he will be held.

However, authorities said there is still no confirmed schedule for his return.

In a video message, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Co remains under the custody of authorities in the Czech Republic and that Philippine agencies have been instructed to coordinate with foreign counterparts.

“Inutusan ko ang Department of Justice kasama ang Department of Foreign Affairs na pangunahan ang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga awtoridad ng Czech Republic upang matiyak na maayos at naaayon na proseso ang lahat ng kinakailangan,” Marcos said.

He earlier said Co was detained in Prague after allegedly entering the Czech Republic without proper documentation.

In November 2025, the Sandiganbayan issued a warrant of arrest against Co over an alleged P289.5-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro involving a road dike along the Mag-asawang Tubig River.

A month later, the anti-graft court canceled his passport and declared him a fugitive from justice.