MANILA – Malacañang expressed hope that former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who is currently abroad, will soon be returned to the Philippines as the government continues coordination efforts with Czech authorities.

“Lahat tayo dapat hopeful. Ang gusto natin ay maiuwi dito si Zaldy Co at iyon ang nais ng Pangulo (We should all be hopeful. We want to bring Zaldy Co back to the country and that’s what the president wants),” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a media briefing.

Castro said the administration is working with Czech authorities in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure Co’s return.

She also clarified that there is no contradiction between the President’s earlier statements and the position of the Department of Justice (DOJ) regarding Co’s situation.

According to Castro, the President did not use the term “arrest” when referring to Co, noting that he was described as apprehended due to immigration concerns after failing to present proper travel documents.

She added that Co’s movement was nevertheless restricted, placing him under the custody of immigration authorities abroad.

The Palace also dismissed claims that the President’s earlier announcement was premature, saying the information previously released was based on verified developments at the time.

Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida is currently in Prague to coordinate with Czech authorities as part of ongoing efforts to determine Co’s exact location and facilitate his return.

Co left the Philippines in mid-2025 for a medical check-up but did not return after authorities began investigating alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

His passport was later canceled and his travel authority revoked after he was implicated in alleged budget insertions and irregularities. He later resigned as representative of the Ako Bicol party-list.