MANILA – Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Jose “Jojo” Cadiz Jr. has stepped down from his post following accusations linking him to irregularities in flood control projects.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro announced the development in a briefing, noting that Cadiz had already tendered his resignation on Friday, December 5.
“Sa ating pagkakaalam siya po ay nag-submit na ng kanyang resignation,” Castro said in a media briefing at Malacañang Palace. “As far as I know he has submitted his resignation. As far as I know.”
Cadiz’s departure comes after former Ako Bicol’s Rep. Zaldy Co claimed he was involved in the handling of alleged cash kickbacks supposedly intended for President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.
Co asserted that he had been instructed by former Speaker Martin Romualdez to turn over the money to Cadiz, who he said had access to a drop-off point near the President’s residence.
Asked whether Malacañang could confirm any past association between Cadiz and the President, Castro said she had no information to verify such a link.
Despite the controversy, DOJ acting secretary Fredderick Vida previously emphasized that the department’s ongoing inquiry into corruption has not been affected by the allegations.
Both Marcos and Romualdez have denied any involvement in the controversial flood control projects.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Ombudsman on Friday said it will probe Cadiz.
“Definitely. That is something that the Ombudsman has to look into,” said Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano.
He added: “Given all the allegations, however, not yet sworn into, but there are other reports as well of his involvement. And so definitely there will be a fact-finding body that will be dedicated to that. We will have to sift through the evidence. Wherever the evidence takes us, that’s where we will go.”/PN
