Manila: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. as the new special adviser and investigator for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), as announced by Malaca±ang on Monday. Azurin is set to take on his new responsibilities after finalizing his personal and administrative arrangements, according to the statement from the Office of the President (OP).
According to Philippines News Agency, the administration expressed confidence that Azurin’s leadership and experience will bolster the Commission’s mission to ensure accountability and transparency in the utilization of public funds. Azurin succeeds Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who stepped down from his dual role as ICI special adviser due to concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest.
President Marcos had previously instructed his legal team to examine the legal implications of Magalong’s involvement with the ICI while holding a local government position. The President expressed gratitude to Magalong for his service and contributions during his brief time with the ICI, highlighting Magalong’s significant role in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the Commission’s efforts against corruption in infrastructure projects.
Azurin, an alumnus of the Philippine Military Academy ‘Makatao’ Class of 1989, was appointed as the 28th PNP chief by Marcos in August 2022 and served until his mandatory retirement in April 2023. During his leadership, Azurin advocated for the MKK=K principle, translating to ‘Malasakit + Kaayusan + Kapayapaan = Kaunlaran’ (Compassion + Order + Peace = Progress), as a guiding framework for the PNP.
In addition, Magalong initiated the Kasimbayanan program, which stands for Kapulisan, Simbahan, at Pamayanan, aimed at fostering collaboration between police, religious organizations, and communities to enhance peace and order at the grassroots level.