Metro Manila, Philippines – Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. was appointed as the new special adviser and investigator for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) tasked to probe anomalous government projects, the Palace announced on Monday, Sept. 29.

Azurin replaced Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong who quit last Saturday, just two weeks into his appointment.

In a statement, Malacañang said the retired cop will assume his ICI duties after completing his personal and administrative arrangements.

Azurin was the first PNP chief under the Marcos administration, serving from August 2022 to April 2023.

“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 Palace said.

Malacañang also thanked Magalong for his service, saying “his efforts in safeguarding the integrity and credibility of the Commission have been vital to the government’s campaign against corruption in infrastructure projects.”

Magalong earlier said it was necessary to step down from his post as his inclusion in the commission cast doubts on the body and its mandate.