DOJ: Flood control probe unfazed by ‘bagman’ tag vs exec

The Department of Justice (DOJ) investigation into the alleged anomalous flood control projects remains unaffected by claims that one of its undersecretaries allegedly acted as a “bagman” in the fund kickback scandal, acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said on Tuesday.

In a press briefing, Vida clarified that Undersecretary Jose “Jojo” Cadiz Jr., who was implicated by former Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co as having allegedly received cash kickbacks purportedly on behalf of the President, plays no role in the ongoing investigations.

“If it will really affect, it won’t. It won’t kasi definitely wala siyang involvement,” Vida said.

(If it will really affect, it won’t. It won’t because he has no involvement in the investigation.)

Cadiz was mentioned by Co in a series of recent video statements, in which Co claimed that the President was upset for not receiving his expected monthly “remittance” from the fund insertion kickbacks.

Co alleged that he received orders from former House Speaker Martin Romualdez to give the money to Cadiz, who had access to the drop-off point near the President's residence.

The former Ako Bicol party-list representative also claimed that he delivered P1 billion to Marcos, with the suitcases of cash supposedly received by Cadiz.

Vida, however, stressed that the DOJ’s investigation would not be affected by the allegations against Cadiz.

The acting secretary also downplayed speculation that Cadiz’s continued stay in the department could compromise the integrity and credibility of the investigation.

“We will maintain our independence, and we will maintain our resolute conviction and belief that we need to bring this to the end,” he said.

Vida added that the DOJ will not investigate Cadiz, citing the agency’s lack of jurisdiction.

“Ang tagausig at nagpapanagot sa mga lingkod bayan na nagkamali sa kanilang tungkulin at may papanagutan na kriminal, ang tagausig ay ang Ombudsman,” Vida said.

(The government body that investigates and holds public officials accountable for wrongdoing in the performance of their duties, including any criminal liability, is the Ombudsman.)

He clarified that Cadiz is on leave from November 21 until November 28.

“Dito lang siya. Leave of absence lang. Leave from his duties,” Vida said.

(He’s still here. It’s just a leave of absence. A leave from his duties.)

Vida also allayed fears that Cadiz might have left the country, similar to what others who are implicated in the flood control kickback scandal did.

“Wala po siyang application for a travel authority,” he added.

(He has no application for a travel authority.)—MCG, GMA Integrated News