Efforts to determine the whereabouts of former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co have turned toward Paris, following information relayed through diplomatic channels, according to Ma. Theresa Lazaro.
Speaking at a forum in Manila, Lazaro said the lead came from a confidential but credible source, though authorities have yet to verify his actual presence in France. She added that embassy officials are actively pursuing the information. “I just want to tell you that the information that he is in Paris came from a highly regarded diplomatic source, which I cannot reveal because it was said to us in confidence,” she said.
While the tip has prompted closer monitoring, Philippine officials acknowledged there has been no confirmed sighting of Co on French soil. At the same time, the government disclosed that he has applied for political asylum, a process governed by European regulations. Lazaro noted the legal sensitivities surrounding such requests, saying, “Asylum issues, asylum seekers, it is just a very sensitive matter to Europe because it is EU regulations and it is their regulations. But rest assured that we are doing everything within the confines of the law on how to go about it.”
Authorities are also examining questions about Co’s travel documents. The Department of Foreign Affairs said it has not received confirmation that he possesses a Portuguese passport, despite earlier indications he may have held multiple documents. His regular Philippine passport had already lapsed in September 2022, rendering it invalid for international travel.
The issue of his passports surfaced after Co was stopped by authorities in Prague for an immigration-related violation in mid-April. Fredderick Vida said records from immigration authorities indicated the former lawmaker had more than one passport, including the expired one he reportedly presented during the incident.
Separately, the foreign affairs department confirmed that a court order issued in December 2025 led to the cancellation of both a regular and a diplomatic passport previously issued to Co.
