DOJ Chief Vida Heads to Prague to Secure Zaldy Co Return to PH | INQToday
Why It Matters
Securing Co’s return would reinforce the Philippines’ use of international legal tools to combat graft, signaling stronger cross‑border anti‑corruption enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- •DOJ Secretary Vida travels to Czech Republic to pursue Zaldy Co’s return
- •Legal options include extradition, deportation, and UN anti‑corruption convention
- •Co faces graft and malversation charges linked to flood‑control projects
- •Czech data‑privacy rules limit disclosure of Co’s custody details
- •Successful return could set precedent for cross‑border anti‑corruption cooperation
Summary
Justice Secretary Frederick Vida is heading to Prague on April 23 to explore legal pathways for the return of former lawmaker Zaldy Co, who remains a fugitive on three Sandiganbayan arrest warrants.
The Department of Justice cites extradition, deportation and invocation of the United Nations Convention against Corruption—both nations are signatories—as primary mechanisms. Co is wanted for graft and malversation tied to anomalous flood‑control projects, with the anti‑graft court ordering his arrest in November.
Vida noted the lack of documentary evidence confirming Co’s detention in the Czech Republic, citing EU data‑privacy regulations that restrict disclosure of personal arrest records. He emphasized that any action will respect Czech legal procedures and privacy limits.
If successful, Co’s repatriation would demonstrate the Philippines’ ability to leverage international treaties and data‑privacy frameworks in anti‑corruption efforts, potentially encouraging tighter cross‑border cooperation on fugitive cases.
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