Francis Jardeleza is new Solicitor General

MANILA, Philippines–Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Francis Jardeleza has replaced Jose Anselmo Cadiz as the new Solicitor General.

This was announced after Justice Secretary Leila De Lima confirmed Monday that Cadiz has resigned.

A Radyo Inquirer 990AM report said that Cadiz turned over to Jardeleza the post of solicitor general Monday morning.

It added that Jardeleza has been busy meeting with his staff and assistant solicitor generals over pending cases.

De Lima said Cadiz tendered his resignation Friday.

Prior to his stint at the Office of the Ombudsman, Jardeleza was the senior vice-president and general counsel of food and beverage giant San Miguel Corporation (SMC).

De Lima said Cadiz personally tendered his letter of resignation to President Aquino on Friday, apparently to go back to private practice.

Cadiz was appointed by Mr. Aquino solicitor general on July 29, 2010.

A University of the Philippines law graduate and a former national president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Cadiz was a noted labor lawyer before he joined the Aquino administration.