DOJ Undersecretary Cadiz resigns amid alleged link to flood control mess

[Updated Dec. 5, 2025, 12:30 p.m.]

MANILA, Philippines — Justice Undersecretary Jose “Jojo” Ragus Cadiz Jr.,  alleged bagman of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., has resigned from his post following allegations of involvement in corruption linked to anomalous flood-control projects.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro confirmed the resignation at a briefing on Friday, citing information from the Department of Justice.

“As far as we know, he has already submitted his resignation,” she said in Filipino.

READ: DOJ: ‘Bagman’ usec not fleeing amid kickback claim

This information was announced after Castro was asked for Malacañang’s reaction to a media report saying that Cadiz has alleged ties to a major construction company that was only incorporated in 2023.

The construction company, named JSJ Builders Incorporated, was named after Cadiz’s then 19-year-old son and was found to have more than P200 million in projects in Ilocos Norte.

Castro and the DOJ have yet to provide details on whether the resignation has been officially accepted.

Resigned Ako Bicol Rep. Zaldy Co mentioned Cadiz in his series of video statements. 

The ex-lawmaker said he received orders from former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to deliver kickbacks from the flood control projects to Cadiz.

Just last November 25, Acting Justice Secretary Frederick Vida said Cadiz went on leave and was scheduled to return to office last December 1. 

While Vida did not elaborate on the whereabouts of Cadiz, he said the latter did not apply for a travel authority.

Meanwhile, at Friday’s briefing, Castro said the public should be glad that the personalities close to Marcos, who are being dragged into the corruption scandal, left their posts.

“Shouldn’t the people be happy if there are people who are allies of the President and when they get involved, even if there is no decision or judgment yet, they leave? Isn’t that a better way to look at it? That’s better because it means the President does not tolerate people who might be involved,” she explained.

Aside from Cadiz, former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin and former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman also left their posts after their names were implicated in the P100 billion insertions in the 2025 national budget.

She has yet to provide details on whether the resignation has been officially accepted. /mcm /mr