Malacañang on Monday denied allegations that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. spread fake news regarding the status of wanted individual Zaldy Co in the Czech Republic last week.
During a press briefing at the Palace, Press Officer Claire Castro clarified that the term “nahuli” used by the President in a social media post was a general term and does not automatically mean an arrest.
Castro said the President’s announcement was not premature, adding that the information released had undergone verification.
The clarification came after confusion arose among the public following reports from Czech Republic authorities indicating that the former lawmaker had not been formally arrested.
According to Castro, reports that Co was “nahuli,” or restrained from movement, at the border between Germany and the Czech Republic were accurate.
She explained that the issue stemmed from differences in legal terminology between the Philippines and the Czech Republic, noting that the European country does not readily use the term “arrest.”
Castro emphasized that the important detail was that Co had been confirmed to be under the custody of Czech authorities at the time.
She added that government efforts remain ongoing to facilitate Co’s return to the Philippines.
Despite the clarification, Malacañang said it could not yet confirm new reports suggesting that Co may no longer be in the Czech Republic or that he may have escaped.
Castro said the Palace is still awaiting an official report from Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, who is currently in Europe to handle matters related to the case.
