Philippines corruption scandal suspect Zaldy Co caught in Prague, Marcos says

“We are in close coordination with the Czech government to ensure that all legal processes are followed and to arrange for his return to the Philippines

at the soonest possible time,” Marcos said in a statement.

The Philippines has no extradition treaty with the Czech Republic and Marcos did not say how his government would seek the custody of Co. Philippine officials have cancelled Co’s passport and sought Interpol’s help to locate and arrest the wealthy former legislator.

Co is one of several powerful legislators, including former House speaker Martin Romualdez and former Senate president Francis Escudero, who were accused of pocketing huge kickbacks from flood control projects in an Asian archipelago prone to deadly flooding and typhoons.

Co, Romualdez, Escudero and other legislators have denied any wrongdoing but have come under investigation. Several former government engineers and public works officials, wealthy construction company executives and a former senator have been detained while facing trial on corruption charges.