Justice Acting Secretary Frederrick Vida clarified on Tuesday, 25 November, that Undersecretary Jose R. Cadiz Jr. remains a top official of the Department of Justice despite being implicated in the flood control controversy by resigned lawmaker and now fugitive Zaldy Co.
Vida made the statement amid speculation that Cadiz had resigned or been removed from his post.
When asked whether the DOJ would initiate an investigation into Cadiz, Vida responded, “No. We have no jurisdiction,” noting that the Office of the Ombudsman is responsible for probing government officials accused of wrongdoing in the performance of their duties.
However, he stressed that the DOJ’s own investigation into the flood control mess remains unaffected, noting that the department has co-equal jurisdiction with the Ombudsman when investigating public officers with Salary Grade 26 and below.
Vida recalled that when Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla served as justice secretary, he recounted that only he and Cadiz were not assigned to interview witnesses in the flood control controversy.
“Until today po he (Cadiz) is not involved in any of the ongoing DOJ investigations relative to the flood control issues,” Vida said.
He added that Cadiz is currently on an official leave of absence from 21 to 28 November and is expected to return to work afterward. Vida assured that Cadiz’s leave was not intended to flee the country.
He likewise reiterated that Cadiz has no pending application for travel authority.