Ako Bicol Representative Zaldy Co. House of Representatives/FileMANILA — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Tuesday he will convince French authorities to reject former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co’s asylum bid when the former travels to France within the next 10 days.
"My job there is to convince our counterparts that after stealing $1 billion from a very poor country like the Philippines, he does not deserve asylum and he needs to be brought back to the Philippines," Remulla said.
Remulla was referring to allegations against Co involving the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.
The interior chief confirmed that Co remains in France based on the latest information received by the Philippine government.
Remulla said he will also follow up on the Philippine government’s request for an Interpol Red Notice against Co.
"I have to find out kaya pupunta ako roon kung ano ang naging challenge," he added.
Remulla said he is still finalizing his appointments in France and expects to leave within the next 10 days.
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Remulla also said he would seek legal clarification on whether Co’s pending asylum application affects the validity or enforcement of warrants against him.
"From what I understand, unless the asylum is given, all warrants are still valid so hindi natin kailangan hintayin ‘yung 5 months yata, 6 months. But I will clarify it later on but we will do our best to bring him home as soon as possible," he said.
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