Undersecretary Cadiz returns to work amid 'bagman' allegations

After a seven-day official leave of absence, Justice Undersecretary Jose Cadiz has returned to work even as he faces allegations of acting as an alleged “bagman” for kickbacks in the controversial flood control scandal.

Cadiz reported back for duty on Monday after taking an approved leave from 21 to 28 November, according to Department of Justice spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez.

Martinez confirmed that Cadiz returned to his post without filing for an extension of leave.

Cadiz has been under public scrutiny since former Ako Bicol Party-list Representative Zaldy Co implicated the undersecretary in the alleged delivery of kickbacks supposedly intended for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Leyte Representative Martin Romualdez in connection with the controversial flood control projects.

The DOJ spokesperson had earlier maintained a “status quo” on Cadiz’s employment while the controversy unfolded.

Justice Acting Secretary Fredderick Vida previously defended the integrity of the DOJ’s investigation into the flood control scandal, asserting that the probe’s independence would not be compromised by Cadiz’s continued presence in the department.

Vida also clarified the DOJ’s jurisdictional limits regarding allegations against ranking public officials.

He said the DOJ “have no jurisdiction as it is the prosecutor for private persons and the prosecutor for public servants is the Ombudsman.”