By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Tuesday said claims that the safety of former party-list representative Zaldy Co may be at risk upon his return to the Philippines are “without basis” even as it assured the public that the government will provide necessary protection in accordance with the law.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said concerns about alleged threats against Co should be substantiated before being raised publicly.
“Dapat tingnan muna po natin, saan nanggagaling iyong sinasabing death threats? Mayroon na po bang na-ipakita?” Castro said in a Palace briefing.
“So, tingin ko dapat doon muna eh kasi there’s no basis … may death threats nga ba?”
Castro reacted to Sen. JV Ejercito, who warned that ensuring Co’s safety would be a major challenge amid efforts to bring him back to the country.
She reiterated that the government remains committed to ensuring the safety of all Filipinos.
“Lahat naman po ng Pilipino ay dapat safe na bumabalik sa Pilipinas,” she said.
Co left the Philippines in July 2025, allegedly for medical treatment in the United States.
In September, his travel authority was revoked and he was ordered to return after he was implicated in budget insertions and anomalous flood control projects. He later resigned as Ako Bicol party-list representative.
Co is currently under the custody of Czech authorities after being flagged for illegal entry, as confirmed by Malacañang on April 16. Officials are working to facilitate his return through diplomatic and legal channels.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier said his return will follow due process and international legal procedures, amid ongoing coordination with Czech authorities.
The Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs are leading coordination with their Czech counterparts to process Co’s return, with a high-level team expected to be deployed.
Castro declined to provide operational details, noting that Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida is the authorized official to speak on matters related to Co’s status and repatriation.
She also explained the limited release of information, including photos or videos, citing the involvement of another sovereign state.
“Kasi mayroon pong ibang country na involved. So, maingat po ang gobyerno sa pagbibigay ng anumang anunsiyo,” Castro said.
Fake news
Castro, meanwhile, dismissed statements by former Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque questioning Co’s reported detention, reiterating that official pronouncements from the President and concerned agencies should prevail.
“Ang Pangulo po ay nagsalita na… bakit po ba natin paniniwalaan ang isang fake news peddler?” she said.
She added that law enforcement agencies such as the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation can initiate probes into the spread of disinformation without requiring direct orders from the President.
