Manila, April 28 -- Malacanang on Tuesday confirmed that fugitive former lawmaker Zaldy Co is no longer under the custody of the Czech Republic and is now in France where he is seeking political asylum.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed "disappointment" over the failure to bring back Co to the Philippines, according to Palace Press Officer Claire Castro.

Citing updates from Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Ma. Theresa Lazaro, Castro said Co left the Czech Republic following earlier immigration intervention.

"Sa kasalukuyan, kumpirmadong wala na sa kustodiya ng authorities si Zaldy Co (At present, it is confirmed that Zaldy Co is no longer under the custody of authorities)," Castro said...