Today, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed retired Manila Regional Trial Court Judge Jaime Santiago as the new Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), marking a pivotal leadership change in the country’s premier investigative agency. Santiago, who brings a wealth of judicial and law enforcement experience to the role, took his oath of office before Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin this morning.
Santiago’s career spans significant roles in law enforcement and legal education. He began his journey in public service as a member of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Western Police District (WPD) from 1979 to 2000, notably serving with distinction in Manila’s Special Weapons and Tactics team. His exploits were immortalized in a 1996 Filipino biographical action film, highlighting his dedication to maintaining peace and order.
Educationally, Santiago holds a BS in Criminology from the Philippine College of Criminology and earned his Law degree from Manuel L. Quezon University. His legal career includes stints as a Metropolitan Trial Court judge in Manila City and acting executive/presiding judge in the Regional Trial Courts of Manila and Tagaytay. He also contributed significantly as a Criminal Law professor at various institutions, including Emilio Aguinaldo College and the Philippine College of Criminology.
Santiago’s appointment follows the retirement of Medardo de Lemos, a long-time career official who previously led the NBI. The move signals a strategic shift in leadership under the Marcos administration, aiming to leverage Santiago’s extensive background in both law enforcement and the judiciary to strengthen the NBI’s investigative capabilities and uphold the rule of law.
As Santiago assumes the directorship of the NBI, expectations are high for his leadership to navigate complex challenges in national security, cybercrime, and organized crime, ensuring the agency continues to uphold its mandate with impartiality and integrity in service to the Filipino people.
