National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Deputy Directors Jose Justo S. Yap and Antonio M. Pagatpat have been floated by former bureau agents as potential successors of resigned NBI Director Jaime Santiago.
In a letter dated August 28, the NBI Retirees and Ex-Employees Association Inc. (REXEAI) appealed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to choose from the two career officials, noting that both of them have more than three decades of service.
The retired NBI agents said appointing an insider as the bureau’s next chief will ensure continuity and morale within the ranks.
The group stressed that promoting from within would be consistent with the National Bureau of Investigation Reorganization and Modernization Act of 2016, which aims to professionalize the agency.
“Appointing an insider would not only ensure stability and continuity in the bureau’s operations but it would also encourage and inspire the rank and file personnel,” read the letter.
Yap, a CPA-lawyer appointed by Marcos, has 35 years in service and less than two years before retirement, while Pagatpat, also a lawyer with 35 years of experience, has three years left.
The endorsement comes after Santiago, a former judge and police officer, submitted his irrevocable resignation as NBI Director.
In his letter to the President, Santiago said he could not allow “orchestrated moves” to erode his reputation, citing persistent attempts by detractors to discredit his reforms and anti-corruption efforts within the bureau. His resignation will take effect once a successor is appointed.
During his brief tenure, Santiago initiated internal purges, dismantled the Special Task Force to send a strong message against corruption, and oversaw entrapment operations against local officials accused of wrongdoing.
Despite these efforts, he said detractors sought to tarnish his record, adding: “Lies, if repeated over time, will give a semblance of truth.”
Messages of respect poured in after his announcement, with Senator Sherwin Gatchalian calling his resignation a “significant loss” and journalists describing him as approachable and transparent.
Commentators like former broadcaster Jay Sonza framed his exit as proof of entrenched interests resisting reform.
