Malacañang has confirmed the resignation of National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) director Jaime Santiago, who cited an “orchestrated move” to tarnish his reputation as the reason for stepping down.

In a text message to reporters, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro confirmed reports that Santiago had filed his resignation but did not disclose other details.

“Confirmed. He submitted his resignation,” she said Saturday morning, Aug. 16.

“Wala pa po comment mula sa Pangulo as of now (There is no comment from the President as of now),” she added.

According to reports, Santiago, in a letter to President Marcos, said an alleged smear campaign against him began after complying with the President’s directive for Cabinet officials to file their courtesy resignations in May 2025.

“Detractors and those who have a sinister interest in my position incessantly make moves to blemish my reputation,” he wrote.

“I cannot allow this seemingly orchestrated move to blacken my reputation, which I have built through the years,” he added.

He, however, did not name those behind the supposed effort or offer further details.

Santiago said he will leave his post immediately upon the appointment of his replacement in order not to disrupt agency operations.

Santiago was appointed NBI Director on June 14, 2024. He served as a prosecutor from 2003 to 2006 before becoming a presiding judge of a regional trial court (RTC) in Manila.

The NBI, an attached agency of the Department of Justice, is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of high-profile criminal cases and has been involved in several anti-corruption operations in recent months.