MANILA, Philippines – National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago has tendered his irrevocable resignation, effective upon the appointment of his successor. In a letter to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Santiago cited what he called “orchestrated moves” by “detractors and those who have sinister interest” to tarnish his reputation.

Malacañang has acknowledged his resignation.

Santiago, who was appointed to the post with a stated mission to “purge the Bureau of Scalawag,” said he could not allow the “seemingly orchestrated moves to blacken my reputation I molded through the years.” While he did not provide specific details on the alleged attempts to “blemish” his name, he had previously spoken out against efforts to link him to illegal online gambling, known as “online sabong.”

“To my mind, lies, if repeated over time, will give a semblance of truth,” Santiago wrote in his letter.

Since his appointment, Santiago said he had dismissed NBI personnel for “serious infractions” and had others investigated for irregularities. He also noted that he had “abolished one unit to show that I really mean business.”

Santiago stated that his resignation would ensure a smooth transition, as it would be effective as soon as his replacement is named. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the Marcos Jr. administration and affirmed his continued support for it.