National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago has stepped down from his post, Malacañang confirmed on Saturday, marking another high-profile resignation amid ongoing recalibrations within the Marcos administration.
Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro confirmed Santiago’s submission of a resignation letter in a brief text message to reporters.
Castro did not disclose the reason behind Santiago’s resignation and noted that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has yet to officially act on it.
“Confirmed. He submitted his resignation,” she said. “Wala pa po comment mula sa Pangulo (there’s no comment from the President) as of now.”
A copy of Santiago’s resignation letter, dated August 15 and addressed to President Marcos, was shared with the media over the weekend.
In the letter, coursed through Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin, Santiago submitted his “irrevocable resignation,” stating that it would take effect immediately upon the appointment of his successor.
Santiago cited persistent attacks on his reputation as a key reason for stepping down.
“My detractors and those who have sinister interest in my position incessantly make moves to besmirch my reputation,” he wrote,” he wrote.
Santiago’s resignation comes barely 14 months after he was appointed as NBI Director in June 2024.
He previously served as a Manila regional trial court judge and was known for his strong stance against criminality and corruption.
In May 2025, Santiago was among several top officials who submitted courtesy resignations following President Marcos’ directive for agency heads to voluntarily vacate their posts as part of a broader administrative review and restructuring effort.
At the time, Malacañang said the move was aimed at ensuring that all appointed officials remain aligned with the President’s policy direction.
As of writing, there is no word yet from the Palace on who will be appointed to succeed Santiago at the helm of the NBI.
The NBI, an attached agency of the Department of Justice, plays a critical role in investigating and combating organized crime, cybercrime, and corruption across the country.