Ex-Philippine Lawmaker Detained in Prague Following Multi-Billion Dollar Flood Control Graft Scandal

President Marcos confirms the arrest of ex-MP Zaldy Co in Prague. The former lawmaker faces charges in a multi-billion dollar flood control corruption scam.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 18, 2026, 7:48 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from The Straits Times

Border Capture Ends International Manhunt

Zaldy Co, a former member of the Philippine House of Representatives, is currently in the custody of Czech authorities after an attempt to cross the German border failed. President Ferdinand Marcos announced on April 17 that Co was denied entry into Germany and returned to Prague due to a lack of proper documentation. The former lawmaker had been a fugitive since December, when the government cancelled his passport following his flight from the country. Manila is now working closely with the Czech government to ensure legal protocols are followed for his swift repatriation to face trial.

Billions Diverted from Critical Infrastructure Projects

The charges against Co stem from a massive corruption scandal involving flood control projects in the central Philippines. Allegations suggest the fraud cost taxpayers billions of dollars, a loss felt acutely in a nation that has recorded hundreds of floods since 2025 alone according to United Nations data. In November, state prosecutors charged Co alongside various public works officials and construction firm owners with violating anti,graft laws. The scandal has ignited widespread protests across the storm,battered archipelago, where infrastructure failure is often a matter of life and death.

Political Fallout and Accusations of High Level Complicity

Before his detention, Co released a series of videos from hiding, claiming that President Marcos was the true mastermind behind the systemic corruption. While the President has consistently denied these allegations, noting that he was the one who brought the fraud to light in a national address, the scandal has reached deep into his own administration. A congressman cousin of the President was forced to resign as Speaker of the House in the face of related allegations. Despite the political turmoil, a special commission formed to investigate the matter was recently disbanded after the President declared the bulk of its work complete.