Malacañang said on Tuesday that the government is prepared to ensure the safe return of former lawmaker turned fugitive Zaldy Co to the Philippines.
However, Palace officials stressed that alleged threats to Co’s life remain unverified and require proof before any conclusions can be drawn.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said authorities must first establish whether such threats exist before giving specific security assurances.
She noted that without evidence, claims of danger lack basis and cannot be used to justify concerns over his return.
The issue of Co’s safety was raised after Senator JV Ejercito warned that certain groups might oppose his return due to his potential testimony on a flood control controversy.
Ejercito earlier suggested that bringing Co back safely could be challenging if vested interests attempt to silence him.
Co, who has been out of the country since July 2025, was recently intercepted at a European border and is currently under custody of foreign authorities.
His Philippine passport had been canceled on orders of the Sandiganbayan in connection with a pending corruption case.
Authorities have linked Co to alleged irregularities in a major infrastructure project, where substandard work was reportedly concealed through falsified documents.
Despite claims from his camp about serious threats, government officials maintained that these allegations have yet to be substantiated.