DOJ confirms resignation tendered by Undersecretary Jojo Cadiz

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday confirmed that Undersecretary Jose “Jojo” Cadiz has submitted his resignation to Malacañang, but said there is no information yet on whether the Office of the President has acted on it.

Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said Cadiz, being a presidential appointee, submitted his resignation directly to the appointing authority.

“He has tendered it, but we have no information yet on whether it has been accepted,” Fadullon said.

He clarified that Cadiz continues to report for work while awaiting a decision from the Palace.

“He has been continuously reporting. The DOJ had no involvement in the transmission of his resignation,” Fadullon added.

Earlier, the Office of the Ombudsman announced that it would investigate a possible conflict of interest after reports surfaced linking Cadiz’s son to a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) contractor.

However, the DOJ said it will not initiate its own investigation unless a formal complaint is filed.

“Everything is based on allegations so far. Until and unless there is a formal complaint, that’s the only time the department can consider initiating any investigation,” Fadullon said.

He also stressed that Cadiz had no role in the DOJ’s flood control investigations, which have implicated DPWH officials, contractors, and several former lawmakers.

“In all investigations pertaining to flood control, Undersecretary Cadiz has never been involved. These proceedings are directly supervised by the Office of the Secretary,” he said.

The DOJ said it is deferring to the Office of the Ombudsman regarding any possible probe into Cadiz’s alleged conflict of interest.