Justice Undersecretary Jojo Cadiz has stepped down from his position following serious allegations linking him to questionable flood control projects and the purported receipt of massive sums of money.
Allegations of "Remittances" and Cash Deliveries
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed the resignation on Friday, December 5, 2025. "As far as we know, he has already submitted his resignation," Castro stated.
The controversy stems from claims made by former Ako Bicol party-list representative Zaldy Co. In a series of video statements, Co alleged that during discussions on the 2025 national budget, Cadiz met with him and former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. According to Co, Cadiz conveyed that President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. was begrudgingly complaining about not receiving any "remittances."
Co further claimed that, acting on Romualdez's orders in response to the President's alleged demand, he personally delivered huge amounts of cash to Cadiz at South Forbes Park. He said he handed over P200 million on December 2, 2024, and another P800 million on December 5, 2024, bringing the total to a staggering one billion pesos.
Ombudsman Launches Fact-Finding Investigation
In response to the escalating scandal, the Office of the Ombudsman has initiated a probe. Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano announced the move during a separate press conference.
"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," Clavano explained.
He emphasized that the investigation would be evidence-driven. "We will have to sift through the evidence. Wherever the evidence takes us, that's where we will go," he added, underscoring the commitment to follow the facts of the case wherever they may lead.
Implications and Next Steps
The resignation of a senior Department of Justice official under such grave allegations of corruption, particularly tied to critical infrastructure like flood control projects, marks a significant development. It raises immediate questions about governance and accountability within high levels of the administration.
The focus now shifts to the Ombudsman's fact-finding investigation. The public will be watching closely to see how the probe handles the serious claims involving massive cash deliveries and their alleged connection to budget deliberations and the President's office.
The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching consequences for the individuals involved and for public trust in government institutions tasked with justice and infrastructure development.
