Manila: The asylum cases involving fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co and former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque highlight the limitations of Philippine embassies in tracking Filipinos overseas. Host country privacy rules restrict access to information, even when sought by the government.
According to Philippines News Agency, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro informed a Senate budget hearing that European countries do not routinely disclose asylum proceedings to the applicant's country of origin. Lazaro mentioned that countries like France, where Co was reported to have sought political asylum, and Austria, where Roque filed for asylum, adhere to these regulations.
Malaca±ang reported in April that Co had gone to France with a pending asylum petition. Senator Erwin Tulfo inquired if foreign governments inform Manila when a Filipino citizen files such an application. Lazaro clarified that the DFA's information about Co came through diplomatic channels, not from French asylum authorities. The Czech Republic's foreign minister informed her of Co's transfer to France, but no further details on his asylum proceedings were provided.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that authorities would renew their request for an Interpol red notice against Co. A similar information barrier applies to Roque. Lazaro noted that, according to the Philippine embassy in Vienna, there is no information about whether Roque's asylum has been denied. Remulla previously announced a denial of Roque's application, which Roque disputed. Malaca±ang later acknowledged that no official denial had been announced by a foreign government.
Lazaro emphasized the government's reliance on diplomatic engagement and legal cooperation mechanisms, including extradition and mutual legal assistance, where available. She also highlighted the possibility of acting on passports backed by a court order, stating that if there is a warrant of arrest, the DFA will not issue a passport or may provide a travel document for the person to return home.
The DFA previously canceled the regular and diplomatic passports of Roque and Co, reporting their status to Interpol. Co faces a plunder case linked to a PHP7.44-billion kickback scheme involving government flood-control projects. The Sandiganbayan issued a warrant for his arrest on Sept. 7, but he left the country before a hold departure order was issued. Roque has been wanted since May 2025 following a non-bailable arrest warrant for qualified human trafficking linked to the Lucky South 99 POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga.
