MANILA — National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago is awaiting Malacañang’s final decision on his post after the Palace confirmed that his irrevocable resignation is now pending formal acceptance.
In an exclusive interview with ABS-CBN News, Santiago said he will continue to perform his duties until a successor is formally appointed.
“Syempre hintayin ko ang aksyon ng presidente. Alam mo bilang respeto sa ating pangulo, hindi ko naman iiwan ang NBI. Hanggang walang naa-appoint, ipagpapatuloy ko para smoothly magse-sail pa rin ang boat,” he said.
Smear campaign?
Santiago also broke his silence on what he described as a deliberate smear campaign against him, saying Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla himself is aware of these efforts.
“Magkaibigan kami noon pa ni [Remulla] at ‘yung mga binabato sa akin na mga katiwalian kuno ay alam lahat. Nag-uusap kami tungkol diyan kaya alam niya lahat na puro kasinungalingan ‘yun,” he said, adding that some detractors may have already tried to influence Malacañang.
“Baka sa dami [ng naninira], umaabot na sa ating Pangulo. Eh baka paniwalaan na sa Malacañang.”
Santiago also addressed a nearly two-minute animated video circulating inside the bureau, which used his actual audio berating NBI officials.
In the recording, Santiago can be heard saying: “Ayoko na ang mga problema natin dito ma-media. Halatang halata na may nag-o-orchestrate na taga-loob. Inalalayan ko lahat kayo bilang isang mabuting ama ng pamilya.”
Santiago confirmed the authenticity of the audio, but clarified the context.
“Boses ko ‘yun eh. Ako talaga ‘yun so makikita ng taong bayan na talagang nagagalit ako. Hindi dahil sa nagagalit ako sa tao, kundi nagagalit ako sa mga pangyayari, sa mga palpak na operasyon,” he explained.
Aside from the video, an unsigned eight-page “white paper” attributed to a “concerned NBI official” is also being passed around.
The document accuses Santiago of mismanagement and calls his downfall “his own undoing.”
Santiago dismissed it as false and vowed to respond “in due time.”
“‘Pag nalaman ‘yun ng outsiders, mawawalan ng tiwala sa ‘kin. Akala nila’y katotohanan ‘yun. May karma. Babalik sa kanila ‘yan,” he said.
Santiago assured the public that the bureau’s work continues despite the issues.
“Hinihikayat ko ang ating mga agent, let’s move on. ‘Wag nating pabayaan na ‘yung integrity, ‘yung tiwala ng taong bayan sa NBI ay masira.”
He ended with a parting line to his employees: “It’s high time. Panahon na ng pagbabago.”
For now, Santiago continues to hold office — awaiting Malacañang’s acceptance of his resignation, while vowing that the agency will remain steadfast in carrying out its mandate. (ABS-CBN News)