Fugitive Zaldy Co Arrested in Prague

Fugitive Zaldy Co Arrested in Prague

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | April 17, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – In a landmark advancement for anti-corruption initiatives in the Philippines, Zaldy Co, a former representative of the Ako Bicol Party-list and a key player in the multi-billion peso flood control scandal, has been apprehended in Prague, Czech Republic.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed the arrest on Thursday evening, revealing that Czech authorities detained Co while he attempted to enter the country without valid documentation.

This significant arrest represents a turning point in a scandal that has long affected the nation, casting a dark cloud over public infrastructure projects. The Philippine government, under President Marcos Jr., is actively collaborating with Czech officials to expedite Co’s extradition back to the Philippines, where he faces serious charges. “We will keep the public updated as new developments arise,” the President stated.

Co’s evasion of Philippine law enforcement began in mid-2025 when he allegedly left the country for medical reasons. His failure to return coincided with the President’s launch of a thorough investigation into irregularities surrounding flood control projects, many of which are linked to Co’s family-owned Sunwest Corp.

The former lawmaker’s entanglement deepened as numerous officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways, under oath, identified Co as a principal beneficiary of kickbacks linked to substandard or fictitious anti-flood infrastructure initiatives. These alleged corrupt practices are estimated to have siphoned off hundreds of billions of pesos, diverting essential funds intended for public safety and development.

Despite efforts by the House of Representatives to secure Co’s return, including the revocation of his travel authority, he managed to evade these measures by resigning from his position as Ako Bicol Party-list representative. Even after his Philippine passport was canceled in December 2025, Co reportedly remained abroad, allegedly using a foreign passport and a “golden visa” issued by Portugal.

The legal pressure on Co intensified in February 2026 when the Sandiganbayan officially designated him a fugitive following the filing of graft and malversation charges related to a questionable road dike project in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. The Philippine government had previously sought INTERPOL’s assistance to facilitate Co’s arrest, navigating the challenges posed by his reported location in Portugal, a nation lacking an extradition treaty with the Philippines.

Adding complexity to the situation, Co had previously released a series of videos from abroad, making direct accusations against President Marcos Jr. regarding involvement in the nationwide corruption scandal. These claims have been staunchly denied by the President and his administration, who reaffirm their commitment to a thorough and impartial investigation.

Co’s arrest in Prague is heralded as a significant triumph for accountability and transparency. His anticipated return to the Philippines could unveil critical testimonies and evidence, potentially exposing the full scale of systemic corruption within the flood control sector. This development is poised to provide vital insights into the mechanisms of such extensive fraud and may play a crucial role in either substantiating or refuting allegations implicating high-ranking officials and political families, including the Marcos and Romualdez clans, in this widespread corruption scandal. The ongoing investigation promises a rigorous pursuit of accountability, with the public eagerly anticipating further revelations and the ultimate quest for justice.