MANILA — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Jaime Santiago has resigned from his post, citing alleged efforts by his “detractors” to tarnish his reputation — a move confirmed by Malacañang barely a year after his appointment.
“He (Santiago) submitted his resignation,” Presidential Communications Office’s Undersecretary Claire Castro told reporters in a text message on Saturday, though she gave no explanation for the sudden development.
Castro added that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has yet to decide on Santiago’s resignation.
“Wala pa po comment mula sa Pangulo as of now,” she said.
A copy of Santiago’s resignation letter, dated August 15, 2025 and coursed through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, was released to the media the same day. In it, Santiago tendered his “irrevocable resignation” effective immediately upon the appointment of his replacement.
Santiago explained he was stepping down because his “detractors and those who have sinister interest in my position incessantly make moves to besmirch my reputation.”
Appointed by Marcos in June 2024, Santiago had earlier offered a courtesy resignation in May 2025, in compliance with the President’s order for agency heads to vacate their posts as part of a government-wide recalibration./PN
