NBI to use intel funds for ‘reward system’

MANILA, Philippines — Intelligence funds of the National Bureau of Investigation will be used to reward outstanding employees, newly appointed NBI Director Jaime Santiago announced yesterday.

“To those who are doing well in their jobs, we will use up our intelligence funds,” Santiago said during the turnover ceremony at the NBI headquarters in Quezon City.

Santiago succeeded outgoing director Medardo de Lemos.

In his farewell speech, De Lemos reminded the NBI and Santiago of the need to apprehend expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr. and former Bureau of Corrections director Gerald Bantag.

Teves and Bantag are facing murder charges in separate cases.

The turnover ceremony was led by Justice Undersecretary for law enforcement cluster Jesse Hermogenes Andres.

Santiago is a former police sharpshooter, prosecutor and judge.

He began his career as a contractual employee from 1977 to 1979 before becoming a police officer.

He described his appointment as a dream come true.

Santiago previously applied for the position and was offered the post in April by President Marcos.

Among his top priorities are fighting cybercrime and the speedy issuance of NBI clearances.

PTV

Antonio Baltazar Nebrida Jr. yesterday took his oath of office as the new general manager of state-run People’s Television, vowing to listen to employees’ concerns, improve PTV’s programming and infrastructure and enhance the skills of its personnel.

Prior to his appointment, Nebrida worked as a PTV reporter and Department of Migrant Workers spokesman.

The PTV Employees Association earlier urged Malacañang to recall its decision to replace former general manager Analisa Puod.

“I will work with them. If they have doubts, I will listen. That is part of our society, of our democracy, of free expression,” Nebrida said. — Alexis Romero