(Senator Revilla's office)

Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla Jr. hailed the appointment as National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director of a famed Manila cop whom he portrayed in a biographical film in the 90s during his heyday as an action star. 

"I can vouch for him,” Revilla said in a message to reporters. He was referring to the retired Judge Jaime Santiago, the person he portrayed in the 1996 movie, "SPO4 Santiago: Sharpshooter”. 

“Magtago na ang mga kriminal at hindi sila titigilan ni Santiago (The criminals better hide, Santiago won't be letting up on them)," the senator said. 

Before being appointed as NBI chief, Santiago served as the presiding judge of the Regional Trial Courts (RTC) in the cities of Manila and Tagaytay and as a judge of the Metropolitan Trial Court (MTC) in Manila City. 

He also served prior as assistant city prosecutor at the Department of Justice (DOJ). 

During the early years of his career, Santiago was an up-and-rising cop in the Philippine National Police-Western Police District (PNP-WPD), sternly combating criminals in Manila. 

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His days as a sharpshooter from the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team catapulted him to the headlines during the 90’s. 

Revilla said Santiago's appointment as NBI head honcho was a "good choice" by President Marcos. 

"He is really the man for the job! I am confident that the NBI is in good hands and it will deliver an excellent job in suppressing criminality,” the veteran lawmaker added.