Activist group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) called out Independent Commission on Impunity (ICI) chief Gen. Rodolfo “Rolly” Azurin Jr. (Ret.) to focus on holding corrupt officials accountable instead of lecturing flood victims and the public on how they should express their anger against corruption.

“Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)'s new special adviser, Rodolfo Azurin, should focus on running after those who stole public funds instead of lecturing citizens and flood victims about how to express our outrage against large-scale corruption,” Bayan said in a statement

“Sinita ang mga kumikilos laban sa korupsiyon at hindi ang mga nangungurakot,” the group added.

According to Bayan, Azurin’s speech during his oath-taking revealed a mindset that treats public outrage over abuse of power as a problem — rather than addressing the impunity that perpetuates systemic corruption in government.

“He could only see “division, chaos, or violence” in protests, but not the pursuit of accountability and justice. He belittled the value of protesting while harping on the idea of unity, the same meaningless slogan of the Marcos-Duterte tandem that rose to power in 2022.,” Bayan said.

Bayan also questioned the ICI’s credibility and independence, noting that the commission has yet to clarify whether it will look into the possible involvement of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Malacañang in the alleged release of pork barrel funds and approval of corruption-tainted projects.

The group further criticized the commission’s refusal to open its hearings to the public, saying transparency is essential to earning public trust in the government’s anti-corruption efforts.