Azurin takes oath as ICI adviser

Former Philippine National Police chief Rodolfo Azurin on Monday formally took his oath as the new special adviser of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

Azurin took his oath before Court of Appeals Associate Justice Pedro Corales and the members of the independent commission formed to investigate the alleged anomalous flood control projects. 

He replaced Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong who stepped down from his post after Malacañang announced that Marcos would have the legal team study if his designation was proper. 

Malacañang announced Azurin's appointment last month.

“Every year, countless Filipinos endure the consequences of substandard and fraudulent public works, roads, bridges, and flood control systems that fail when we need them most. The ICI was established to end this cycle of negligence and betrayal,” said Azurin in his speech. 

Azurin said President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s directive, as well as the memorandum from the Office of the Executive Secretary directing all government officials to assist the ICI, is a “clear testament to the sincerity and determination of this admin to build a better Philippines”.

“This is a defining moment in our nation’s history. The Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and National Bureau of Investigation are now being called upon to take an active role in uncovering the truth behind the anomalous flood control and infrastructure projects under the DPWH. Projects that have long burdened our people with grief, loss, and despair,” he said. 

Meanwhile, Azurin called on the public to ask for accountability “not through protests or rallies but through truth, unity, and justice”. 

“Across the country, voices from all sectors are rising — citizens, workers, professionals, and youth alike, urging our military and police to join this crusade against corruption. Their call is valid and their cause is just, yet we must remember: real change cannot be achieved through division, chaos, or violence. We have seen in our history that revolution in the streets may topple governments, but they do not always heal a nation,” he said. 

“Today we are called not to fight one another but to stand together not through protests or rallies but through truth, unity, and justice. Let us expose corruption not with anger but justice. Let us work hand in hand to bring the guilty to account and to finally end the suffering of our people. Let this be our rally cry: this time, we do it right. For our country, for our children, for a truly better Philippines,” he added. 

Ready to face allegations

Meanwhile, Azurin said he is ready to face previous allegations against him as he takes helm as new ICI special adviser.

“Ang sakin, siguro makikita naman natin na walang katotohanan ang lahat ng binibintang sakin. Walang kaso na naisampa sakin,” he told BaliTanghali.

(There is no truth to all of these accusations. No case was filed against me.)

“Up to this time, I’m willing to face kung ano man ang binibitang sakin,” he said.

(Up to this time, I’m willing to face whatever their allegations are.)

In 2023, Azurin was linked to the alleged cover-up of the P6.7-billion shabu haul in Manila in 2022.

Azurin said there was no plan to cover up the illegal drug case involving dismissed Police Master Sergeant Rodolfo Mayo Jr. —KG/RSJ, GMA Integrated News