Manila: Malaca±ang on Tuesday brushed off criticism over the appointment of former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. as special adviser and investigator to the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI), insisting his record is clean and he has no political agenda. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. chose Azurin to replace Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong primarily due to his capabilities and experience as an investigator.

According to Philippines News Agency, questions resurfaced over Azurin’s alleged link to the supposed cover-up of a massive 2022 drug haul, but the Palace dismissed the insinuations as the former top cop is not among those charged. ‘Maliwanag, hindi nakasuhan. Madaling magbanggit ng pangalan. Iba kasi kapag nakasuhan at nagkaroon ng desisyon ng conviction (It’s clear he was never charged. It’s easy to name-drop. What matters is when someone is actually charged and convicted),’ Castro said.

The ICI was formed earlier this month after the President exposed ghost and substandard flood control projects. Azurin, who is taking over Magalong’s advisory and investigation duties, will help pursue cases tied to contractors, local officials, and national agencies flagged for anomalies.