DOJ submits 2 names for Acting NBI Director
The Department of Justice (DOJ) has recommended to President Marcos two of its officials—Justice Undersecretary Jesse Andres and Assistant Justice Secretary Eliseo Cruz—as a temporary replacement for National Bureau of Investigation Chief Jaime Santiago, who submitted his “irrevocable resignation” last week.
“We have endorsed names to the President’s Office [to serve] in an acting capacity. But in terms of the actual permanent replacement, that is something the [justice] secretary is still mulling over. He is still thinking about who could possibly take over,” DOJ spokesperson Jose Dominic Clavano IV said in a chance interview on Monday.
Clavano said Andres and Cruz were recommended since they are part of the DOJ’s law enforcement cluster.
Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, however, admitted that he has yet to consider anyone for NBI officer in charge.
“His (Santiago) request in his resignation is that he would stay on until his successor is appointed, so the thought of having an OIC has not crossed my mind,” Remulla told reporters.
Over the weekend, Malacañang confirmed that Santiago submitted on Friday his “irrevocable” resignation letter through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin.
‘Orchestrated effort’
The former NBI chief said in his letter that he could no longer put up with the “seemingly orchestrated” effort to discredit him by people eyeing his post.
“Detractors and those who have sinister interest in my position incessantly ma[d]e moves to blemish my reputation … To my mind, lies, if repeated over time, will give a semblance of truth,” Santiago said.
“I cannot allow this seemingly orchestrated move to blacken my reputation, which I molded through the years,” he added.
Santiago, who became the NBI chief on June 14, 2024, did not say who was behind the smear campaign against him. He only said it started after he submitted his courtesy resignation to the President after the May midterm elections. He was one of the government officials retained by Mr. Marcos.
Santiago also enjoyed the trust and confidence of Remulla, according to Clavano, who described him as “a man of principle” who faithfully carried out the directives of both the President and Remulla.
Clavano said that Remulla also commended Santiago for his performance during his short stint as NBI director, particularly the raids carried out by the bureau and the other initiatives the DOJ hopes to sustain.
Asked about the reasons behind Santiago’s resignation, Clavano pointed to possible differences in perspective and leadership style within the NBI.
“There really are differences in perspective, with varying methods and approaches, especially since Director Jimmy came from outside [the bureau]. He also had his own approach, which we saw was very proactive and full of initiative,” he said.
