MANILA — Malacañang said Thursday that the Czech Republic has refused to provide further details on the circumstances surrounding former lawmaker Zaldy Co during a meeting between President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Czech officials.

In a report, the Palace said Marcos met with French Ambassador Marie Fontanel and Eva Tenzin, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the Czech Republic, on Wednesday to discuss Co’s case.

During the meeting, Tenzin confirmed that Co was detained by Czech authorities due to invalid travel documents.

“Yun lamang po ang kinumpirma niya sa Pangulo, talagang nadetain si Zaldy Co sa Czech Republic dahil nga po sa invalid travel documents. At maliban pa po diyan, humihingi pa po ng iba pang pahayag or information ang ating Pangulo sa Czech Republic pero hindi na po napagbigyan ang Pangulo dahil sa may sinusunod ang Czech Republic na international law, European, at national laws,” said Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

(That’s the only thing she confirmed with the President, that Zaldy Co was detained in Czech Republic due to invalid travel documents. Aside from that, the President sought further information from Czech Republic but it was denied as the latter is observing international, European, and national laws.)

She added that the President also sought additional assistance for more information, but was told that even a previous request through Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida was not granted.

“Sabi po niya kung pwede nga po makahingi ng tulong mismo sa gobyerno ng Czech Republic para sa mas marami pang impormasyon na maibibigay dahil kahit nga po si Secretary Vida ang pumunta sa Czech Republic, hindi na po nabigyan ng additional information,” she said.

(He asked for more help from the government of Czech Republic as Secretary Vida was also not provided with additional information when he went to Czech Republic.)

Castro said Tenzin’s opening statement to the President was: “Mr. President, you are correct in your information that Zaldy Co was detained by Czech authorities due to invalid travel documents.”

She added that both France and the Czech Republic committed to cooperate in accordance with their laws.

Meanwhile, Castro said Marcos expressed dismay over Co’s release from Czech custody, calling the outcome “very unsatisfactory.”

Co is currently seeking asylum in France, citing political persecution. The Department of Foreign Affairs said he is now under French jurisdiction.

Earlier, Marcos announced that Co had been arrested and was in the custody of Czech authorities due to documentation issues, prompting efforts to have him returned to the Philippines.

Officials had also said Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida led coordination efforts with Czech authorities.

Co and 17 others have arrest warrants issued against them, including officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways and directors of Sunwest Corp., in connection with alleged anomalous flood control projects.

The Ombudsman filed corruption and malversation of public funds charges against Co and others before the Sandiganbayan over an alleged PHP289-million flood control project in Oriental Mindoro.

Co has repeatedly denied the allegations against him.