Photo credit: BAYAN - Bagong Alyansang Makabayan

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) slammed the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) on Monday, saying its new special adviser, Rodolfo Azurin, should focus on pursuing government officials who stole public funds — not criticize citizens and flood victims protesting against corruption.

“Sinita ang mga kumikilos laban sa korupsiyon at hindi ang mga nangungurakot,” the group said, emphasizing that those fighting corruption, not those committing it, should be the focus.

Bayan said Azurin’s inaugural speech revealed a mindset that treats dissent as the problem rather than the impunity that enables large-scale theft in government. According to the group, Azurin focused on alleged “division, chaos, or violence” in protests, ignoring the core goal of citizens seeking accountability and justice.

The group also criticized ICI’s lack of transparency, noting that it has yet to announce any investigation into President Marcos Jr. or Malacañang’s role in releasing pork barrel funds and approving corruption-tainted infrastructure projects. Sessions remain closed to the public, raising doubts about the commission’s independence.

“It seems the real mission of the ICI is to douse cold water on the growing discontent against corruption and impunity and prevent the people from demanding accountability against Marcos Jr.,” Bayan said, drawing parallels to the previous administration under former President Rodrigo Duterte.

Bayan urged ICI to redirect its efforts toward investigating and holding accountable those responsible for stealing public funds, rather than targeting citizens exercising their right to protest.