Officials and employees of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) were rallied by Acting Justice Secretary Frederick Vida on Thursday to remain honest, faithful, and dedicated in serving Filipinos, emphasizing the importance of upholding the rule of law in all public service endeavors.

Speaking at an event marking the NBI’s 89th anniversary, Vida highlighted the critical role of government agencies in addressing the needs of citizens.

“When our constituents come to us, they don’t talk about the NBI, DOJ, BI, PNP, or PDEA. They come asking for help,” he said, stressing that public service should focus on meeting those needs with fairness and efficiency.

The acting DOJ chief urged personnel to treat every Filipino seeking assistance as a human being, whether requesting clearances, documents, or other services.

“Each and every Filipino who asks for a clearance is important. If there’s no NBI clearance, they cannot comply with requirements for work or other purposes. Let’s always put a face to our service,” Vida said.

He also encouraged staff to embrace a culture of accountability and excellence in their work.

“There’s no small or big part. Every role in the bureau contributes to the whole. If one part fails, the service to our constituents is compromised,” he noted, emphasizing that the NBI relies on cooperation across all levels.

On upholding the rule of law, Vida stressed that government officials must act within legal frameworks, respecting citizens’ rights and due process.

“We cannot cancel a passport or issue a writ of habeas corpus simply because someone’s name was mentioned. The Department of Justice must pursue justice while adhering to the rule of law,” he said.

Vida also highlighted the NBI’s 89-year legacy, acknowledging its accomplishments and the challenges ahead.

He called on personnel to continue pursuing the bureau’s mandate with integrity and moral discipline, saying: “Those who continue to do good and uphold their obligations must persist in this journey. If you cannot follow this path, then public service is not for you.”

In conclusion, Vida congratulated NBI officials and employees for their service and encouraged them to maintain high standards of professionalism.

“Let’s do it well, let’s do it right. Mabuhay po ang NBI at mabuhay ang patuloy na paglalakbay ng NBI,” he said.

Some 4,000 officials and staff form the backbone of the NBI, while the Department of Justice has approximately 6,000 prosecutors, officials, and other public servants. Together, they form part of the country’s 1.5 million-strong national government workforce tasked with delivering justice and essential public services.