Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday stated that claims regarding the safety risks faced by former party-list representative Zaldy Co upon his return to the Philippines are 'without basis.' The government assured the public that necessary protection will be provided in accordance with the law.
According to Philippines News Agency, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized the need for substantiation of alleged threats against Co before they are publicly addressed. Castro questioned the validity of the claims, urging for evidence to be presented regarding the supposed death threats. "Dapat tingnan muna po natin, saan nanggagaling iyong sinasabing death threats? Mayroon na po bang na-ipakita?" Castro remarked during a Palace briefing, highlighting the absence of any proven threat to Co's safety.
The statement was in response to Senator JV Ejercito, who expressed concerns about ensuring Co's safety amid efforts to facilitate his return to the country. Castro reiterated the government's commitment to ensuring the safety of all returning Filipinos, stating, "Lahat naman po ng Pilipino ay dapat safe na bumabalik sa Pilipinas."
Zaldy Co left the Philippines in July 2025, purportedly seeking medical treatment in the United States. His travel authority was revoked in September, and he was ordered to return due to his implication in budget insertions and anomalous flood control projects. Subsequently, Co resigned as the Ako Bicol party-list representative. Currently, Co is under the custody of Czech authorities following an incident of illegal entry, as confirmed by Malaca±ang on April 16. Efforts are underway to facilitate his return through diplomatic and legal channels, with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. emphasizing adherence to due process and international legal procedures.
The Department of Justice and the Department of Foreign Affairs are spearheading coordination with Czech counterparts to process Co's repatriation. A high-level team is expected to be deployed for this purpose. Castro refrained from disclosing operational details, referring to Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida as the authorized official for matters concerning Co's status and return. She cited the involvement of another sovereign state as the reason for limited information dissemination.
In addressing the spread of disinformation, Castro dismissed statements by former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque questioning Co's reported detention. She emphasized that official pronouncements from the President and relevant agencies should be prioritized over misinformation. "Ang Pangulo po ay nagsalita na. bakit po ba natin paniniwalaan ang isang fake news peddler?" Castro stated. She added that law enforcement agencies, including the Philippine National Police and the National Bureau of Investigation, have the authority to initiate investigations into the spread of disinformation without requiring direct orders from the President.
