EX-PNP CHIEF NAMED NEW ICI SPECIAL ADVISER, INVESTIGATOR

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief retired General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. as Special Adviser and Investigator of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI).

Azurin, who served as PNP chief from August 2022 to April 2023, will assume his duties after concluding his personal and administrative arrangements, the Office of the President announced on Monday.

“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.

President Marcos meanwhile thanked Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, erstwhile Special Adviser of the ICI, for his service.

Magalong tendered his resignation as ICI special adviser in a letter to the President last Friday.

“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,” the Office of the President said.

President Marcos created the ICI on September 11 through Executive Order No. 94 to investigate and recommend legal action against individuals involved in irregularities and misuse of public funds in flood control and related infrastructure projects within the last 10 years.

The President appointed retired Supreme Court Associate Justice Andres B. Reyes Jr. as ICI chairperson, and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio L. Singson and SGV and Co. Country Managing Partner Rossana A. Fajardo as the commission’s members.