Manila, April 27 -- The government remains hopeful that fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co will soon be returned to the Philippines, Malacanang said Monday.

"Lahat tayo dapat hopeful. Ang gusto natin ay maiuwi dito si Zaldy Co at iyon ang nais ng Pangulo (We should all be hopeful. We want to bring Zaldy Co back to the country and that's what the president wants)," Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a media briefing.

Castro said the administration continues to coordinate with Czech authorities to facilitate Co's return, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

The Palace also reiterated that there is no contradiction between the President's earlier statements and those of the Department of Justice (DOJ) reg...