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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Protests, rallies won't help heal the country—ICI adviser

Protests, rallies won't help heal the country—ICI adviser

Published Oct 13, 2025 12:41 pm  |  Updated Oct 13, 2025 02:24 pm

At A Glance

  • Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) new special adviser Rodolfo Azurin does not believe that protests or rallies will help build a better Philippines even even as the country is being hounded by corruption in the form of anomalous, billion-peso flood control projects.
Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) new special adviser Rodolfo Azurin does not believe that protests or rallies will help build a better Philippines even even as the country is being hounded by corruption in the form of anomalous, billion-peso flood control projects.
Azurin, in his inaugural statement after being sworn in to the position on Monday, Oct. 13, stressed the importance of a pacifist approach in handling what some people said was the biggest corruption scandal to hit the country.
The discovery of the billions worth of anomalous flood control projects "is a defining moment in our nation's history", according to Azurin.
But while "the voices from all sectors" on the controvery were "valid" and their cause was "just", he said, "We must remember: real change cannot be achieved through division, chaos or violence."
He added that while "revolution in the streets may topple governments... they do not always heal a nation".
"Today, we are called not to fight one another, but to stand together. Not through protests or rallies, but through truth, unity and justice," he said in a subsequent press conference.
Azurin, who replaced Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong as special adviser, said the creation of the ICI marked "a historic step toward accountability and genuine reform".
The body has been tasked to investigate the anomalous infrastructure projects that should have served the people.
He further said President Marcos' directive to assist the body in prosecuting involved individuals was "a clear testament to the sincerity and determination of this administration to build a better Philippines".
"Let us expose corruption not with anger, but with justice. Let us work hand in hand to bring the guilty to account and to finally end the suffering of our people," he said.
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