By: Charles Nikko Limon

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has called on Malacañang to allow former Philippine National Police Chief and current ICI Special Adviser Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. to conduct investigations, following his own resignation from the same post.

Magalong stepped down just two weeks after assuming his role as ICI Special Adviser, amid confusion over his authority and responsibilities.

The Palace earlier clarified that his role was purely advisory.

In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Usec. Claire Castro explained, “He could conduct investigations through his own effort, but the President already clarified that his role is as a special adviser, not as an investigator.”

Magalong expressed disappointment, saying that the Palace’s statements undermined his credibility and role. “You can watch that press conference where they said I had no authority to investigate because I’m only a special adviser. That’s very clear, even my coordination with the police was undermined,” he said.

The mayor added that he saw no reason to stay in the ICI if he wasn’t allowed to perform investigative work. “What else could I do if I can’t investigate? What’s the point of my position?” he asked.

Despite stepping down, Magalong expressed confidence in Azurin’s appointment as the new ICI Special Adviser. “I just hope they also allow him to investigate, that’s my question now. Will they let him do what I wasn’t allowed to do?” he said.

He emphasized the importance of conducting on-ground investigations in addition to hearings to properly assess the projects under scrutiny.

Magalong also had a message for Usec. Castro, saying, “Maybe it’s better if she just stays silent because every time she talks, things get worse. People are not stupid anymore, Filipinos can’t be fooled.”

Castro, meanwhile, denied making statements about the Baguio Tennis Court project, saying her only concern was the issue of conflict of interest raised by the Palace.

She also challenged Magalong to name the individuals he claimed were displeased with his performance at ICI.

Meanwhile, the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee’s investigation on alleged anomalous flood control projects has been temporarily suspended following the resignation of Senator Ping Lacson as committee chair.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said, “The man is frustrated, whatever it is,” referring to Lacson’s decision to step down.

In his statement, Lacson explained that some senators were dissatisfied with how he was handling the probe, saying it was time to let someone else take over.

The Senate majority bloc is set to meet on October 8 to convince Lacson to reconsider his resignation, while the Senate shifts focus to hearings on the 2026 national budget.