Zaldy Co No Longer in Czech Custody but Remains in Schengen Area, DOJ Confirms

The status of former Ako Bicol Party-List Representative Zaldy Co has taken another turn as the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed on Monday that he is no longer in the custody of Czech authorities. However, Co remains within the Schengen Zone, raising new questions about his potential return to the Philippines and the ongoing investigations against him.

DOJ Clarifies Co’s Current Status

In a statement released on April 27, 2026, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida confirmed that Zaldy Co is no longer under the direct custody of Czech authorities. However, Vida emphasized that Co has not left the Schengen area, a 26-country zone in Europe that allows passport-free travel between member states. This development complicates efforts to secure his return to the Philippines, where he faces multiple investigations by the Office of the Ombudsman.

The DOJ’s announcement follows days of conflicting reports about Co’s legal status after Czech authorities initially detained him on April 20, 2026, due to immigration concerns. Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez earlier clarified that Co was not technically arrested but rather had his liberty “restrained” for possible violations of Czech immigration laws. Martinez compared the situation to an airport exclusion, where a traveler is denied entry but not formally charged with a crime.

Ombudsman Prepares to Summon Co Upon Return

The Office of the Ombudsman has made it clear that it intends to summon Co as soon as he returns to the Philippines. In a statement published by ABS-CBN on April 21, 2026, the Ombudsman confirmed that Co will be required to explain “matters still under investigation” related to his tenure as a lawmaker. These investigations reportedly involve allegations of corruption and misconduct in public office, though specific details remain undisclosed.

Co, who served as a representative of the Ako Bicol Party-List from 2016 to 2022, has been a controversial figure in Philippine politics. His name has surfaced in multiple investigations, including those related to alleged irregularities in flood control projects and other government contracts. The Ombudsman’s decision to summon him underscores the gravity of the ongoing probes.

Malacañang Defends President Marcos’ Statements

Amid the evolving situation, Malacañang has stood by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s earlier statements regarding Co’s detention. Presidential Press Office Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro reiterated on April 24, 2026, that the President’s remarks were based on “accurate and verified information” at the time. Marcos had previously stated that Co was “in the custody of Czech authorities” due to “lack of proper documentation,” a claim that aligns with the DOJ’s initial reports.

Castro clarified that the President did not use the term “arrest” but instead described Co’s situation as one of “custody” due to immigration issues. This distinction is critical, as it highlights the legal nuances between detention for immigration violations and formal arrest for criminal charges.

DOJ Team Engages Czech Counterparts

To expedite Co’s return, a DOJ delegation led by Secretary Vida traveled to the Czech Republic for high-level discussions with local authorities. According to reports from Tonite – Abante, the team is exploring legal avenues for Co’s deportation or voluntary return. However, the process is expected to be complex, given the lack of a formal arrest and the legal protections afforded to individuals within the Schengen Zone.

Czech migration experts have previously indicated that Co’s return to the Philippines within a short timeframe is unlikely. The DOJ’s latest update suggests that while Co is no longer in Czech custody, his movements remain restricted, and his ability to travel freely is limited.

What’s Next for Zaldy Co?

The coming weeks will be critical in determining Co’s legal fate. If he returns to the Philippines, he will face immediate summons from the Ombudsman and potential legal action. If he remains abroad, the DOJ will need to navigate the complexities of international law to secure his return, particularly given the absence of a formal extradition request.

For now, the public and legal observers are left waiting for further updates from both the Philippine and Czech governments. The case serves as a reminder of the challenges in holding public officials accountable, especially when legal proceedings cross international borders.

Key Takeaways

• No Longer in Czech Custody: Zaldy Co is no longer under the direct custody of Czech authorities but remains within the Schengen Zone.
• Ombudsman’s Summons: The Office of the Ombudsman plans to summon Co upon his return to the Philippines to address ongoing investigations.
• DOJ’s Diplomatic Efforts: A DOJ delegation is in the Czech Republic to explore legal options for Co’s return, including deportation.
• Legal Nuances: Co’s situation involves immigration violations rather than a formal arrest, complicating efforts to secure his return.
• Malacañang’s Stance: The Palace maintains that President Marcos’ statements about Co’s custody were accurate and verified at the time.

FAQ

Why was Zaldy Co detained in the Czech Republic?

Co was detained due to immigration concerns, specifically a lack of proper documentation. Czech authorities restrained his liberty but did not formally arrest him.

What investigations is Zaldy Co facing in the Philippines?

The Office of the Ombudsman is investigating Co for alleged corruption and misconduct during his tenure as a lawmaker, including irregularities in flood control projects and government contracts.

Can Zaldy Co be forced to return to the Philippines?

While the DOJ is exploring legal avenues for his return, the process is complicated by the lack of a formal arrest and the legal protections within the Schengen Zone. Deportation or voluntary return are among the options being considered.

What is the Schengen Zone?

The Schengen Zone is a group of 26 European countries that have abolished internal border controls, allowing for passport-free movement between member states. It includes countries like Germany, France, and the Czech Republic.

What happens if Zaldy Co returns to the Philippines?

If Co returns, he will likely face immediate summons from the Ombudsman and potential legal action related to the ongoing investigations against him.