Marcos Meets Envoys on Fugitive Zaldy Co Status

MANILA, Philippines - President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met separately with French Ambassador Marie Fontanel and Czech Republic Charge d'Affaires Eva Tenzin on Wednesday to seek details on the status of fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who was briefly detained in the Czech Republic before his release and transfer to France.

During a Palace briefing on Thursday, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro recounted the discussions, noting that Marcos expressed disappointment over the situation. "He described the developments in Co's case as very unsatisfactory," Castro said. The French ambassador acknowledged that Co is a fugitive who needs to face accountability but declined to provide further information without authorization. Tenzin confirmed Co's detention by Czech authorities due to invalid travel documents but offered no additional details, citing adherence to international, European, and national laws.

Castro emphasized that the Philippine government is not withholding information. "The government is not hiding anything," she said, addressing speculation that the Palace might be concealing facts. She explained that limitations on disclosure stem from the...