By Blessing Nweke
A key suspect in a sweeping corruption scandal in the Philippines has been arrested in the Czech Republic, authorities confirmed on Thursday, marking a significant development in a case that has sparked nationwide outrage.
Zaldy Co, a former member of the Philippine House of Representatives, was detained in Prague after allegedly entering the country without proper documentation, according to Ferdinand Marcos Jr.. Co had been outside the Philippines since July 2025, local reports say, following mounting scrutiny over his alleged role in fraudulent infrastructure projects.
The arrest stems from investigations into so-called “ghost” flood control projects, which authorities say drained nearly $2bn from the Philippine economy. The scandal gained traction after devastating floods last year disrupted communities and triggered mass protests, with citizens demanding accountability for failed public works.
Co is accused of receiving kickbacks linked to these projects during his tenure in office from 2019 until his resignation in September 2025. Philippine officials had previously cancelled his passport and sought international assistance through Interpol to track him down.
Despite the arrest, uncertainty remains over whether Co can be swiftly returned to face charges, as the Philippines does not have an extradition treaty with the Czech Republic. President Marcos said the government is working closely with Czech authorities to ensure legal procedures are followed and to facilitate Co’s return.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla indicated Co could be repatriated within one to three weeks, though this timeline depends on legal developments abroad.
The scandal has implicated several high-profile figures, including senior lawmakers, some of whom deny wrongdoing, as public pressure for transparency continues to grow.
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