The Philippine government must move with clarity, speed, and intent. Not tomorrow. Not after “further study.” Now.
First, it must act through the Department of Justice and immediately transmit a formal request to the Czech authorities: Zaldy Co is not just an undocumented foreigner; he is a wanted man facing serious criminal charges. Every arrest warrant, every charge sheet, and every piece of supporting evidence must be assembled and sent without delay. The message must be unmistakable: the Philippines is not passively waiting; it is actively demanding his return.
At the same time, the Department of Foreign Affairs must engage its Czech counterparts with urgency and precision. Diplomacy, when used well, can move faster than courts. The Philippines should press for his deportation directly back to Manila, framing it not as a favor, but as a logical administrative outcome. He entered without proper documentation; he should be sent home, where lawful charges await him.
But prudence demands more than speed. It demands insurance.
Parallel to deportation efforts, the government must initiate formal extradition proceedings, even if we have no extradition treaty with Czechnia. Cooperation can still occur through multilateral conventions, e.g., UN conventions on organized crime or corruption. Even if deportation is faster, extradition ensures that his return is anchored in the recognition of criminal liability, not merely immigration status. If one path falters, the other must already be in motion. Hesitation here is not caution; it is negligence.
This is where international mechanisms come into play. Through Interpol, the Philippines must ensure that any existing alert is elevated and fully operational. A Red Notice is not just a signal; it is a global affirmation that this individual is sought for prosecution, not politics. It strengthens the legal footing of every request made in Prague.
And that brings us to the most delicate battlefield: narrative.
Zaldy Co’s most viable defense will not be legal; it will be political. He may attempt to cast himself as a victim of persecution, a target of shifting power dynamics back home. If that argument gains traction, it could stall proceedings indefinitely. The Philippine government must preempt this. It must present the case for what it is: a matter of corruption, evidence, and accountability. Not ideology. Not vendetta. Not factional struggle.
This means demonstrating that the charges are grounded in law, supported by documentation, and processed through functioning institutions. The credibility of the Philippine justice system itself is, in effect, on trial abroad.
Finally, the government must prepare for the moment of success. If and when Zaldy Co is placed on a plane bound for Manila, there can be no confusion, no delay, no opportunity for maneuver. Law enforcement must be ready to take custody the instant he arrives. Justice delayed is one thing. Justice fumbled at the finish line is another.
This is a defining moment, not because of who Zaldy Co is, but because of what his case represents. Too often, high-profile figures slip through jurisdictional cracks, turning borders into shields. Here, the shield has cracked, by accident, perhaps, but decisively.
The question now is simple: will the Philippine government act with the urgency of a state that intends to enforce its laws, or with the hesitation of one that merely announces them?
Because in Prague, a door has opened. And doors like this do not stay open for long.
The header features a montage of Zaldy Co’s photo (credit: News 5) with a background view of the City of Prague (credit: Wandertooth Travel).
About the author
RAUL F. BORJAL, known as “Rolly” to his family and friends, was born in Naga City, Camarines Sur, and now resides in Parañaque City, Metro Manila. An alumnus of both Ateneo de Naga University and Ateneo de Manila University, he held senior executive roles in several domestic and multinational corporations, culminating in his retirement as Vice President and Corporate Secretary of a Filipino-owned group of companies.
He is married to the former Wenifreda D. Parma, a cum laude graduate of Ateneo de Naga University, and together they have four children. Rolly is also a co-founder and a member of the editorial board of Dateline Ibalon.