Former Philippine lawmaker arrested in Prague for corruption
Former Philippine lawmaker arrested in Prague for corruption
On April 16, 2026, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. confirmed the arrest of former lawmaker Elizaldy “Zaldy” Co in Prague, Czech Republic.
Co, a central figure in a massive corruption scandal, had been a fugitive for nine months.
The investigation centers on over 9,800 infrastructure projects, including flood-control systems, valued at approximately $9 billion, many of which were found to be substandard or non-existent.
Despite the lack of an extradition treaty between the Philippines and the Czech Republic, the government is working closely with Czech officials to ensure his repatriation to face trial.
This arrest represents a significant milestone in the administration’s crackdown on corruption within public works.
Public outrage remains high, as these projects are critical for protecting the country from frequent, devastating typhoons.
The case highlights the government's push for legislative accountability and serves as a warning against the misuse of public funds, underscoring the vital importance of infrastructure integrity for national safety.
