Makabayan Slams Marcos Admin for ‘Cover-Up’ After Wave of Resignations

Officials who could potentially implicate President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in kickbacks and anomalous government projects are allegedly using resignation as a “convenient escape hatch.”

This was the statement of the Makabayan bloc in the House of Representatives following the resignation of Justice Undersecretary Jojo Cadiz on Friday.

“He is not an ordinary employee he is a former Senate staff member of President Marcos Jr., a trusted associate now accused of being the bagman for kickbacks and maintaining ties with contractors doing business in the North,” the group said in a statement.

“The Filipino people deserve answers, not convenient exits. The Marcos administration cannot continue to hide behind resignations while the stench of corruption emanates from the very seat of power,” it added.

The Makabayan bloc said Cadiz is too close to the centers of power and could directly link Malacañang to corruption.

“Resignation is not a solution it is merely an escape. If anything, Cadiz’s departure confirms what we have long suspected: that corruption in this administration goes all the way to the top, implicating the President’s inner circle and possibly the President himself,” the group said.

“We reject this administration’s strategy of damage control through resignation,” it added.

Aside from Cadiz, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, Presidential Legislative Liaison Office head Usec. Adrian Bersamin, and DepEd Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar also resigned amid the flood control controversy.

“Their connections to contractors, their role in anomalous transactions, and most importantly, their links to President Marcos Jr. must be thoroughly examined,” the group said.

“Marcos cannot wash his hands while his people resign one by one because of corruption. The pattern is clear: when officials become liabilities, they are made to resign before they can testify and expose the President’s involvement. This is not accountability this is a cover-up,” the Makabayan bloc added.

The bloc is composed of ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio, Gabriela Women’s Party Rep. Sarah Jane Elago, and Kabataan Rep. Renee Louise Co.