LEARNED that National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jimmy Santiago also submitted his courtesy resignation along with many others, in line with the request made by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
The said request is said to be a move aimed at giving the president the so-called ‘elbow room’ to assess each official’s performance and to determine who will continue to serve in line with his administration’s recalibrated priorities, based on performance, alignment, and urgency.
In his letter sent on Friday, Santiago expressed his gratitude for having been entrusted with the role as he affirmed his willingness to support a smooth transition and acknowledged the government’s evolving priorities.
“Upon your acceptance, the undersigned will immediately begin the process of turning over in an orderly manner all the matters pending in my office. It has been an honor to be a part of your government, Mr. President. I will continue to serve the Filipino people alongside you toward a Bagong Pilipinas,” his letter read.
Malacañang has yet to confirm whether his resignation will be accepted or if he will be considered for reinstatement under the revamp taking place.
Just like many others, we can only hope that Santiago will be retained, given the quality of the work and dedication he has given to the country and its people.
Undeniably, he has brought the NBI back on the map after years of sluggishness and keeping him in his post would be a boost to the current administration’s drive against all forms of criminality.
Before he was appointed NBI director in 2023 and lending his famed brand of service and good name to the bureau, Santiago was a decorated cop, a prosecutor a judge and Bureau of Corrrections official who was tasked with overseeing the reformation of those who needed to pay their debts to society.
Come to think of it, he is probably the lone government official who has served in the five pillars of the justice system. And with such high distinction.
Under his watch, the NBI once again became a nemesis for criminal elements, big or small and it can be told that the bureau and the government benefitted greatly from his many years of experience.
He also provided the needed basic support for NBI officers and men by promoting those who deserve to go up the ladder, maximizing their skills and qualifications by putting them where they can be most useful and inspiring hard work and integrity by example. He stands up for his men who do the right thing, but has no tolerance for those who use their position for illicit purposes.
Also under his stewardship, NBI employees are given the chance to be the best versions of themselves. Skills and talents are encouraged, honed and put in areas where they should really be.
The bureau also opened its doors to those who are neither lawyers or certified public accountants. Board degree holders are being accepted to help in the investigation functions of the NBI and Santiago has been very supportive of his people and makes sure that their hard work are duly appreciated or acknowledged.
New hires though, pass through extensive background checks, in order to ensure that the NBI will be guarded against scalawags within its ranks.
“Lest we forget, the NBI is and should remain to be a place for honorable men and women, dedicating their lives in upholding law and justice. Amidst these halls of honor, there is no place for scoundrels. The good name that was built for years should by no means be destroyed by the same men and women who comprise it. In that way, our hearts shall forever truly pulsate with the fire of Nobility, Bravery and Integrity,” the NBI chief has strongly declared time and again.
He has vowed to dedicate his remaining years in public service to preserve the prestige and excellence of the NBI, if not totally bring them to greater heights.
Known for being a courageous, intelligent, principled, no-nonsense guy, Santiago has effectively led the bureau, keeping his iron-fisted approach against all forms of criminality, dispensing justice without fear or favor.
The NBI’s long list of accomplishments under Santiago’s stewardship made the agency soar to even greater heights, restoring the prestige and glory that the NBI used and should be known for, as the country’s highest investigating body.
In his first media forum guesting which the Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association (MACHRA) had the privilege to have been given and even up until now, Santiago had been consistent—the legacy he would want to leave behind is an NBI leadership that is not in any way tained with corruption.
“Alam ny’o, sa pamilya ko, sa mga kababayan natin, sa mga kaibigan ko, kayo sa media, kilala n’yo na si SPO4 Jimmy Santiago. Ang gusto kong maiwan na legacy ay ito talaga— merong isang pulis na naging piskal, naging MTC judge, naging RTC judge, naging NBI direktor, hindi corrupt.”
Santiago said he will leave the bureau the way he entered it— untainted by corruption. I believe him and I’m sure many do, too.
Let us keep our fingers crossed that he gets to keep his post, if we want this administration to continue winning its fight against all forms of criminality.
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