Four judges among those eyed for post of NBI chief

Four judges are reportedly being considered for the post of director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

Heading the list is Supreme Court assistant court administrator Reuben de la Cruz, a former Marikina regional trial court (RTC) judge, who was an NBI agent under director Jolly Bugarin from 1977 to 1983.

Other candidates are Judges Oscar Barrientos of the Manila RTC, Leoncio Janolo Jr. of the Pasig City RTC, and Ralph Lee of the Quezon City RTC. Barrientos and Lee are also former NBI agents.

Binalonan, Pangasinan Mayor Ramon Juico Jr., League of Municipalities of the Philippines president, was reportedly endorsing the appointment of De La Cruz.

The source said the four judges may have a competitive edge over other contenders who have police or military backgrounds due to their vast experience and knowledge in gathering evidence and building up court cases to their final resolution.

Also being eyed for the top NBI post are retired police general and Land Transportation Office-Metro Manila chief Reynaldo Berroya, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Director Anselmo Avenido, Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, Manila police director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong, and retired Philippine National Police chief director general Edgar Aglipay.

NBI officials are reportedly pushing for an "insider" or someone who rose from the ranks to be the next NBI director.

NBI director Reynaldo Wycoco died of a heart attack last month. — Paolo Romero