Full statement of Pres. Aquino on SolGen Cadiz's resignation

The following is the full statement of President Aquino on the resignation of Solicitor General Jose Anselmo Cadiz as posted on the government portal on Feb. 6, 2012.  The Solicitor General is the lawyer of the Republic: his task is to argue the government’s cases with vigor, to approach each case with integrity, and to serve as the tribune, or advocate, of the people of the Philippines before the courts. As my administration began the task of restoring the authentic rule of law, I asked Jose Anselmo Cadiz to join my legal team as my first Solicitor-General. He did so, on the understanding that it would be to help put in place much-needed reforms, after which he would return to private life.

 

From the time he took his oath of office, to the present, he has done his work with dedication and zeal. He can look back at his time in office as one in which the foundations for a reinvigorated Office of the Solicitor-General have been laid. He can take pride in successfully arguing cases that are important for the public good: his most recent accomplishment being the affirmation of the dismissal of the Piatco claim by the high court of Singapore, on grounds of it being illegal, last November.

 

While the time has come for him to return to private practice as we agreed, he can do so confident in the knowledge that the office he has headed is once more imbued with an authentic sense of public service and professionalism. I thank Atty. Cadiz for his loyalty and dedication, not just to the administration, but to upholding the interests of the Filipino people. He has fought the good fight and earned a deserving rest to enable him to spend more time with his family.