ICI to probe irregularities in P26-B Ilocos, Cebu projects — Azurin

The Independent Commission Against Irregularities (ICI) is expanding its investigation into alleged anomalies in government-funded infrastructure projects, focusing next on Cebu and the Ilocos Region, according to ICI special adviser and former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief retired Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.

In an ambush interview at Camp Crame on Wednesday, Azurin said the ICI had just conducted inspection activities in Davao and will be moving to the Ilocos Region this week, followed by Central Cebu, including Cebu City and Mandaue, by Sunday.

“Titignan natin kung bakit ganun yung nangyari despite sa napakalaki ng funding na dinala doon (We’ll look into it to determine why such issues occurred despite the huge funding allocated there),” Azurin said.

He cited reports that around P26 billion had been earmarked for infrastructure projects in those areas.

“Sabi nga ni Governor, 26 billion plus. So, yan ang pilapatingan ni ICI chairman (As the Governor said, it’s P26 billion plus. That’s what the ICI Chairman wants us to look into),” he added.

Meanwhile, Azurin said the ICI is currently reviewing bid documents with assistance from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), both of which have subpoena powers.

“We’re now gathering those bid documents and comparing them with the actual implementation,” he explained.

Out of 421 total projects flagged for possible irregularities, Azurin said 80 projects have been prioritized for investigation.

“Out of the 421, we are prioritizing the 80 projects involving the 15 to 18 contractors mentioned by [President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.],” he said.

Azurin assured that the ICI’s ongoing regional activities aim to gather data, documents, and testimonies to determine whether public funds were properly utilized.