The arrest of former congressman Zaldy Co in Prague has sparked jubilation in Malacañang. Officials hailed it as a breakthrough, a long-awaited step toward accountability. Yet while the Palace’s optimism is understandable, it risks being premature. The reality is that Co’s return to the Philippines is far from guaranteed, and the legal road ahead is fraught with complications.

Unlike countries with formal extradition treaties, the Philippines has no such agreement with the Czech Republic. This means Co’s deportation cannot be automatic. Czech immigration law allows deportation for irregular entry, but it also grants foreigners the right to contest removal. More importantly, Co can apply for political asylum.

And here, the battle shifts terrain: pagalingan na lang ng pagkuha ng abugado… diskarte na ito ng mga immigration lawyers. In other words, the outcome may hinge less on political will and more on the skill of lawyers navigating Czech asylum procedures.

If Co applies for asylum, deportation proceedings would be suspended. He could argue that his prosecution is politically motivated, a claim that—regardless of its merits—would require Czech authorities to investigate thoroughly. Even if his application is ultimately denied, the appeals process could delay his return significantly.

Why Premature Celebration Is Dangerous

Malacañang’s elation risks creating false expectations. The Palace’s narrative of imminent justice overlooks the fact that international law prioritizes due process over political expediency. Czech authorities will not simply hand Co over; they must weigh his rights under EU and international frameworks. To assume otherwise is to underestimate the complexity of cross-border justice.

Co’s arrest is undeniably a milestone. But it is only the first step in a long legal journey. The Philippines must prepare for a drawn-out process, one that will test its diplomatic patience and legal strategy. Justice may be delayed, but it should not be derailed. The challenge now is to temper celebration with realism, and to pursue Co’s return through careful, lawful, and sustained effort.