National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago has resigned irrevocably, citing relentless smear campaigns against him.
The resignation reportedly stemmed from what appears to be a coordinated effort to damage his reputation, which began in May after he submitted a courtesy resignation to President Bongbong Marcos.
In a letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., coursed through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Santiago declared he would step down once a successor is named. Malacañang has yet to issue a statement.
Appointed in June 2024, Santiago, a former judge, prosecutor, and Manila police officer—was tapped to lead the NBI’s internal cleansing.
He praised Marcos’ anti-corruption drive but said the job came with entrenched resistance.
“With my experience as a former police officer, prosecutor and judge, I steered the Bureau with my best leg forward – regaining the trust and confidence of the Filipino people, the media with the Bureau.
Detractors and those who have sinister interests in my position incessantly make moves to blemish my reputation.
“To my mind, lies, if repeated over time, will give a semblance of truth. I cannot allow this seemingly orchestrated move to blacken my reputation, which I molded through the years,” he wrote in his letter.
Despite his exit, Santiago pledged continued support for the Marcos administration. (ZIA LUNA)
