Palace defends Azurin’s appointment as ICI special adviser

Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang on Tuesday, Sept. 30, defended the appointment of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. as special adviser of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), the body investigating anomalies in flood control projects.

Azurin replaced Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, who resigned from the post last week.
Palace press officer Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. chose Azurin for his experience and investigative background.
“Ayon po sa pangulo, ang pagkakapili po kay Gen. Azurin ay base na rin po sa kaniyang karanasan, sa kaniyang mga kagalingan at siya naman din po ay imbestigador at walang komplikasyon – hindi po kasi siya pulitiko,” Castro said.
[Translation: According to the president, General Azurin was chosen because of his experience, his competence, and his investigative background. He also does not have complications since he is not a politician.]
The Palace was asked about Azurin’s alleged link to the P6.7-billion drug haul in Manila in 2022. Then-PNP chief Azurin was accused of covering up the incident but was not included among those charged.
Castro underscored that Azurin has not been indicted.
“Iyan po maliwanag, kayo na po nagsabi hindi nakasuhan. Kasi kung naakusahan lang, madali po kasing mag-namedrop, madaling magbanggit ng pangalan, madaling magturo lalo na ngayon pero iba po kasi kapag nakasuhan at nagkaroon ng desisyon ng conviction,” she said.
[Translation: That is clear — you yourself said he was not charged. It’s easy to name-drop or accuse someone, especially now, but it is different when someone is actually charged and convicted.]