DOJ: Santiago Stays Until NBI Chief Named

Resigned National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Jaime Santiago will remain in his post until a replacement has been named by Malacañang, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla announced yesterday.

- With Mark Ernest Villeza

Remulla cited Santiago's request in his resignation letter that he will leave his post once his successor is appointed.

"He will stay on until the appointment of his successor. So the thought of an officer-in-charge has not crossed my mind. In deference to him and with respect to his request," Remulla said.

The Department of Justice has endorsed DOJ Undersecretary Jesse Andres as acting NBI chief following Santiago's irrevocable resignation last week.

DOJ spokesman Jose Dominic Clavano IV said the department made the recommendation to the Office of the President.

"We have to move on from this as fast as possible because there should not be interruption in the NBI's operation. We were saddened by the resignation of Director Jimmy, but there is really no time to waste. We have to find a suitable replacement," Clavano said.