Jaime Santiago

Jaime B. Santiago (born January 9, 1958) is a Filipino retired police officer, lawyer and retired court judge who previously served as director of the National Bureau of Investigation until his resignation in 2025. Santiago started his career at the Western Police District (WPD) with the rank of Patrolman in 1979. He later became a sharpshooting SWAT unit member. While serving in the police force, he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws from Manuel L. Quezon University in 1993, while holding the rank of police sergeant. He also achieved an 81.65% passing grade in the 1994 Philippine Bar Exam.

Legal career Santiago became a prosecutor in 2003 to 2006, and later, a presiding judge for the Manila RTC.

He was awarded as Outstanding Criminologist by the Professional Regulation Commission in 2012. Moreover, among his accomplishments in the agency's anti-corruption drive were the arrest of NBI clearance employees and fixers, the relief of Special Task Force (STF) personnel over irregularities, as well as the arrests of a mayor in Pampanga and a former councilor in Albay on extortion charges. as well as an "orchestrated move to blacken his reputation." Santiago continued to perform his duties until his resignation was accepted by October 27. On November 3 however, during the turnover ceremony to the new director, Santiago explicitly stated to the media that he was forced to step down. Such last moments showed his extreme disappointment at the agency.

Controversies During his tenure as NBI director, Santiago was embroiled in several controversies, many of which culminated in his sudden resignation in August 2025.

Allegations of Corruption and "Bagman" Activities

The most prominent controversy involved allegations that Santiago maintained an "authorized bagman" to collect protection money (payola) from illegal gambling operations.

The Claim: Tabloid reports alleged a certain "Paul Tangkad," purportedly from an NBI STF, collected up to ₱2 million weekly from POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) and illegal online cockfighting (sabong) operators. Santiago’s Response: He vehemently denied these claims, stating the only "Paul Tangkad" in the bureau was assigned to the ballistics unit and had no such authority. He described the allegations as a malicious "smear campaign" despite having a picture showing "Paul Tangkad" beside him and bundles of cash on his table which raised more questions of irregularity.

Ransom and Use/Sale of Confiscated Vehicles

Sen. Imee Marcos has filed Resolution No. 81 seeking a Senate inquiry into allegations of corruption against Santiago and other officials. She urged the upper chamber to investigate reports that Santiago and some NBI agents had demanded ransom for the release of arrested individuals, illegal searches and detentions, and the unlawful sale of confiscated vehicles. She added that under Santiago’s leadership, vehicles seized in operations were used by agents instead of being preserved as evidence and that some of these had already been sold to bureau executives.

Popular culture He was portrayed by then-Cavite Vice Governor Bong Revilla in 1996 film, SPO4 Santiago: Sharpshooter.