Despite the announcement of the designation of an acting director for the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) by Department of Justice (DoJ) spokespdrson Mico Clavano IV following the irrevocable resignation of former judge Jaime Santiago, justice secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla is firm he would not appoint anyone to be the officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Bureau until a replacement is found.
Secretary Remulla clarified that Santiago would remain in office in deference to the resigned NBI director’s request that he would stay on until the appointment of his successor.
“As he said, his request in his resignation is that he will stay on until the appointment of his successor. So, the thought of an OIC has not crossed my mind. In deference to him and also concerning his request in his resignation,” Remulla disclosed in an ambush interview.
Santiago resigned last week and in stepping down from his post, the former police officer stated in his resignation letter “(there were) detractors who have sinister interests” in his position (and) have ‘incessantly’ made moves to besmirch his reputation.
Remulla said he briefly spoke with Santiago after he quit his post and he would be speaking to him again regarding the latter’s resignation. He added that Santiago did not receive any threats which may have led to his decision to resign.
“No, there were no threats. None, nothing
There was a great deal of discomfort, in accordance with what he said . . . He wasn’t comfortable anymore,” the justice secretary pointed out.