The nephew of the late Marikina City Vice Mayor Dr. Jose Fabian Cadiz filed his Certificate of Candidacy (COC) on Wednesday, March 23, as a substitute for his uncle who passed away last February due to cardiac arrest.
Jose Miguel Cadiz, CEO of Dr. Goodhealth Family Clinics chain, filed his substitution at the Commission on Elections (Comelec) office in Intramuros, Manila.
"Today, I filed my certificate of candidacy as Representative for the 1st District of Marikina, as substitute to my beloved Tito Fab, a very hardworking doctor and well-respected public servant. His loss was a tragedy to our family but his legacy must live on," Cadiz said.
"I have taken on the challenge of continuing his legacy of public service and sacrifice for the greater good of the people. My uncle was selfless in his dedication to serve the people of Marikina. He may have left us but his love of service and his values live with us," he added.
Although a newcomer in politics, Jose Miguel is already immersed in public service wherein he manages the daily operations of his uncle's clinics, including the free services it provides to constituents seeking medical help from Dr. Cadiz.
He was also a trusted aide of his uncle and helped in the various public service programs of the former vice mayor.
"My uncle was very generous in the lessons of service to the poor and the underprivileged. He made sure that I absorbed those that he imparted and lived it," Cadiz said.
Jose Miguel is a graduate of Bachelor of Science in Commerce, major in Export Management from the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde and is the current vice president of the Rotaract Marikina Young Leaders.
The young Cadiz will assume the candidacy left behind by his uncle under the National People’s Coalition (NPC) with the hope of making a major change in the political and public service landscape of Marikina City.
"This candidacy is not just for my dear uncle but for our constituents who deserve true public service without excuses and doubts. As their congressman, I will craft laws that will prioritize their needs for quality education, secure and well-paying jobs, true universal and quality healthcare, and sound environmental initiatives guided by science and discipline. Marikina City deserves true public service and so I humbly offer myself to them," he said.