Messages of respect and gratitude poured in for National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago following his irrevocable resignation, with lawmakers, media practitioners, and former colleagues hailing his integrity and reformist leadership.
In a statement on Saturday, August 16, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian described Santiago’s resignation as a “significant loss” to government service, stressing his role in dismantling criminal syndicates, including those linked to offshore gaming operations (POGOs).
“His leadership was a cornerstone of our crime-busting efforts… I extend my deepest gratitude for his invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment to a safer Philippines,” Gatchalian said, adding that he hopes Santiago’s successor will build on the reforms he began.
From the members of the press, DZRH reporter Noche Cacas, who covered the bureau closely, remembered Santiago as approachable and transparent.
“Media-friendly. Hindi ka mauubusan ng istorya sa dami ng accomplishment ng NBI. Sana mahigitan pa ng susunod na Director,” said Cacas, who is also president of the Southern Metro Manila Press Club (SMMPC).
Krizette Laureta Chu, associate editor of the Manila Bulletin, penned a lengthy tribute, praising Santiago as “a good and decent person” who refused to be used as an attack dog in political disputes.
Chu recounted how the NBI under Santiago handled politically sensitive inquiries with fairness, sparing bloggers and journalists from further harassment.
“As Sir Jimmy ends his career on a note of decency and integrity, I would like to wish this good man well… Your family should be proud of you and the great career you’ve had and the values you’ve managed to keep,” she wrote.
Former broadcaster Jay Sonza echoed the sentiment, framing Santiago’s resignation as a “seismic warning” about the entrenched interests resisting reform within Philippine law enforcement.
“His tenure ended not because of failure, but because of an orchestrated smear campaign — a campaign designed to destroy a reformist leader and protect vested interests within the Bureau,” Sonza said.
Santiago, a retired Manila judge and former prosecutor and police officer, assumed the NBI directorship barely more than a year ago with a pledge to cleanse the agency of scalawags.
In his resignation letter, he cited “orchestrated moves” and “sinister interests” bent on tarnishing his reputation despite efforts to root out corruption and conduct high-profile operations against criminal elements.
As of Saturday, August 16, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has yet to issue a comment on Santiago’s resignation, according to Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro. Malacañang has yet to name a successor.
