Palace names former PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin as new ICI special adviser and investigator
The Office of the President has named former PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. as the new Special Adviser and Investigator for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, replacing Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong.
"The President thanks Mayor Benjamin Magalong for his service and contributions during his tenure. His efforts in safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the Commission have been vital to the government’s campaign against corruption in infrastructure projects," they said in a statement on Monday, Sept. 29.
“The administration is confident that General Azurin’s experience and leadership will further strengthen the Commission’s mandate to uphold accountability and transparency in the use of public funds,” they continued.
On Friday, Magalong tendered his resignation to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., citing doubts on his involvement.
"I would like to make it clear that there is no conflict of interest in my role. My work as Mayor of Baguio and my service with the ICI have always been guided by one principle: the highest standards of integrity in public service. However, recent developments have cast doubt on the independence of the Commission. Independence is the bedrock of accountability, and without it, our credibility is compromised," he wrote.
"I refuse to allow these doubts to weaken the ICI and its mandate. That is why I have chosen to step aside, not to abandon the fight, but to protect the very integrity of the fight," he added.
The ICI is composed of former Department of Public Works and Highways secretary Rogelio “Babes” Singson, SGV Country Managing Partner Rossana Fajardo, and former Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr. Former Supreme Court spokesperson Brian Hosaka was recently appointed as its executive director.
It is tasked to investigate anomalous flood control projects in the last 10 years, recommend the filing of appropriate charges, and recommend to the appropriate government bodies the enforcement of remedies, corrective actions, or legislative measures.
Meanwhile, Azurin was the former commander of the Northern Luzon Police Area as well as the PNP Northern Luzon.
He was appointed as the PNP chief in 2022, replacing Lieutenant General Vicente Danao, and retired in 2023.