DFA: No asylum info on Zaldy Co, Harry Roque

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) cannot verify the asylum status of former congressman Zaldy Co and former presidential spokesman Harry Roque in Europe due to the region’s strict privacy regulations.

During the DFA’s budget hearing yesterday, Senate foreign affairs committee chairman Sen. Erwin Tulfo pressed Foreign Affairs Secretary Tess Lazaro on whether countries like France notify the Philippine government when a citizen applies for asylum.

“Mr. Chair, the European Union, France included, has very strict privacy issues. So if he has filed for asylum, we will not be given information because this is their law,” Lazaro explained. 

She noted that the Philippine embassies are denied this information upon inquiry, adding that the same restrictions apply to Austria regarding Roque’s status.

The DFA only learned of Co’s whereabouts through a tip from another European official.

“I think in the past, we only learned that Mr. Co is in France because it was mentioned to me by the minister of... Czech Republic,” Lazaro told the panel. 

“The foreign minister told me, he was taken and was already in France. That was the only information,” she added.

When Tulfo asked if the DFA could confirm reports that Roque’s asylum bid in Austria was denied, Lazaro reiterated that the Philippine embassy in Vienna has “no information at all” due to the host country’s basic tenets of strict privacy.

To address these legal barriers, Lazaro stated that the DFA consistently requests three key agreements during bilateral political consultations: extradition, transfer of sentenced persons and mutual legal assistance. 

However, she admitted that the Philippines currently lacks these specific treaties with the European countries involved.

abtestabtest President Marcos has no plans to resign – Palace By Helen Flores | 10 hours ago President Marcos has no plans of stepping down, Malacañang said yesterday, after the camp of Vice President Sara Duterte... Headlines House prosecutors defend statements on impeachment By Daphne Galvez | 10 hours ago Members of the House prosecution panel have maintained that their statements on the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte were not about the merits of the case, but merely on procedure and summary... Headlines At least 3 dead from school shooting in South Cotabato By Cristina Chi | 19 hours ago The Department of Education confirmed on Friday, September 18, a reported shooting incident at Banga National High School... Headlines Senate warned over revising impeachment vote threshold By Mark Ernest Villeza | 1 day ago Senators acting as judges in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte may face legal challenge including criminal... Headlines Palace questions VP Sara’s capability to lead Philippines By Alexis Romero | 1 day ago Malacañang questioned the capability of Vice President Sara Duterte to lead the country after her camp claimed... Headlines Latest More in Headlines Tropical storm forms outside PAR Villar family faces graft complaints over PrimeWater deals Shipping firm bans EVs on board Philippines tagged as deadliest Asian country for environmentalists abtest Ombudsman probes Villars, PrimeWater execs over water district deals By Renalyn Ramirez | 16 hours ago he Ombudsman is investigating members of the Villar family, PrimeWater executives and 32 local water district officials over... Headlines WATCH: China Coast Guard vessel rams BFAR ship off Palawan 17 hours ago Watch the video of China’s latest harassment of a Philippine vessel. Headlines Philippines' media watchdog CMFR to close after 37 years 20 hours ago The press freedom institution that has become a post-EDSA pillar cites funding difficulties. Headlines What Philippines' aging population means, and what can be done 1 day ago Fewer Filipinos are being born. What comes next? Headlines Recommended Senators should consider commuting to work – Sherwin 10 hours ago Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian urged his fellow lawmakers yesterday to try commuting to work, inspired by a Department... HeadlinesSENATESENATOR President Marcos has no plans to resign – Palace 10 hours ago President Marcos has no plans of stepping down, Malacañang said yesterday, after the camp of Vice President Sara Duterte... HeadlinesMALACAñANGRESIGNS House prosecutors defend statements on impeachment September 19, 2026 - 12:00am Members of the House prosecution panel have maintained that their statements on the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte were not about the merits of the case, but merely on procedure and summary...r HeadlinesIMPEACHMENT Senate warned over revising impeachment vote threshold 1 day ago Senators acting as judges in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte may face legal challenge including criminal... HeadlinesSALVADOR PANELO Palace questions VP Sara’s capability to lead Philippines 1 day ago Malacañang questioned the capability of Vice President Sara Duterte to lead the country after her camp claimed... HeadlinesSARA DUTERTE next Recommended Senators should consider commuting to work – Sherwin Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian urged his fellow lawmakers yesterday to try commuting to work, inspired by a Department of Transportation policy requiring key DOTr officials to experience the daily troubles of the riding public firsthand. 10 hours ago SENATE SENATOR President Marcos has no plans to resign – Palace President Marcos has no plans of stepping down, Malacañang said yesterday, after the camp of Vice President Sara Duterte said she is ready to replace him in case he resigns. 10 hours ago MALACAñANG RESIGNS House prosecutors defend statements on impeachment Members of the House prosecution panel have maintained that their statements on the ongoing impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte were not about the merits of the case, but merely on procedure and summary of the proceedings.  10 hours ago IMPEACHMENT Senate warned over revising impeachment vote threshold Senators acting as judges in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte may face legal challenge including criminal cases if they proceed with changing the two-thirds voting requirement for her conviction, according to former presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo. 1 day ago SALVADOR PANELO Palace questions VP Sara’s capability to lead Philippines Malacañang questioned the capability of Vice President Sara Duterte to lead the country after her camp claimed she is ready to succeed President Marcos. 1 day ago SARA DUTERTE OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!