President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has appointed retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. as special adviser and investigator of the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), Malacañang announced Monday.
Azurin, who served as PNP chief from August 2022 to April 2023, will assume his new role after completing personal and administrative preparations, according to Malacañang.
The Palace said his extensive leadership experience and record in law enforcement will be instrumental in advancing the commission’s mandate to ensure transparency and accountability in government infrastructure spending.
“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,” the Office of the President said in a statement.
The appointment follows the sudden resignation of Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as ICI special adviser, a decision President Marcos has formally accepted.
Malacañang thanked Magalong for his “service and contributions,” particularly his work in safeguarding the commission’s integrity and credibility during its early operations.
In an earlier press briefing, Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said the President respects Magalong’s decision to step down and acknowledged his expertise and contributions to the commission.
“The President has received and respects Mayor Magalong’s resignation,” Castro said.
“He recognizes the competence and integrity of Mayor Magalong, but we are confident that his departure will not affect the commission’s work because the ICI remains complete, and its members continue to uphold the same standards,” she added.
Despite the leadership change, the Palace stressed that the ICI’s work will continue without disruption. Established to investigate irregularities, audit projects, and recommend reforms in infrastructure spending, the commission remains fully staffed and supported by an executive director.
Azurin’s entry is expected to reinforce the government’s anti-corruption drive, particularly as the ICI ramps up its first round of audits of major public works.
Malacañang added that the President expects Azurin to “build on the foundation laid by his predecessor” and help ensure that every peso spent on infrastructure benefits the Filipino people.
