NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago has resigned from his post, citing “detractors and those who have sinister interest” in his position who have “incessantly” made moves to besmirch his reputation.
A copy of his resignation letter, addressed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and dated August 15, 2025, was shared with the media on Saturday. Santiago stated that his resignation was “irrevocable” and effective immediately upon the appointment of his replacement.
Santiago claimed that these covert moves began after he submitted his courtesy resignation following Marcos’ call for his alter-egos and other chiefs of executive agencies to step down.
He emphasized that he could not allow his reputation, built over many years, to be tarnished by what he described as an “orchestrated move.”
Santiago also highlighted his efforts to purge the NBI of scalawags, leading to the removal of individuals who committed serious infractions and the commencement of investigations into their irregularities. He further noted the abolition of one unit (STF) as a demonstration of his commitment to reform.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro confirmed Santiago’s resignation, but stated that President Marcos has yet to comment on the matter. Santiago, known as a sharpshooter with the Manila Police District in the ’90s, replaced Medardo de Lemos as NBI Director in June of last year.
