Malacañang has brushed aside a request from a private citizen urging the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate the alleged connection between First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and businessman Maynard Ngu, dismissing the claims as “pawang tsismis” and a “fishing expedition” meant to smear her name.
Ngu, the CEO of Cherry Mobile, has been implicated in supposed kickbacks tied to questionable flood control projects. According to Palace officials, Ngu has already stepped down as special envoy to China for trade, investments, and tourism as early as August.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the “letter of sentiment” filed by John Santander, who sought an ICI probe into the alleged “close relationship” between the First Lady and Ngu, was “pawang hearsay.”
“He is like a nuisance candidate who was given cash to buy vinegar in a store and made a side-trip to the ICI to submit his letter,” Castro remarked, stressing that the First Lady would not dignify the issue since it was “pawang tsismis.”
“We know that she is also a lawyer,” she added.
The Palace noted that while the ICI may still decide on its next steps, the attachments to Santander’s letter “showed no link or evidence” implicating the First Lady in any irregularity.
In his letter, Santander—who identified himself as a “culture and peace advocate”—claimed that Araneta-Marcos and Ngu had a “close relationship,” citing several public events where the two were allegedly seen together. These included a Cherry Mobile function and a dinner with Senator Chiz Escudero and Heart Evangelista at Cork Wine Bar in Taguig City, reportedly owned by Ngu.
Ngu was earlier accused by former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo of allegedly giving ₱160 million in kickbacks on behalf of Senator Escudero. The allegation was raised during the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on flood control projects last month.
Following the controversy, Ngu resigned as independent director of Altus Property Ventures Inc., an Ilocos Norte–based company chaired by Faraday Go—the brother of Frederick Go, the Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs.
The Palace added that Ngu’s term as special envoy expired in August and was not renewed amid the ongoing flood control issue.
Castro also questioned whether Santander had firsthand knowledge of his claims. “If he has no personal knowledge, then this will just serve as hearsay evidence,” she said.
“If it is, then should we give it attention and serious consideration? Or is this a fishing expedition meant to tarnish the reputation of the First Lady?” she added.
Meanwhile, ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka said it is still too early to determine whether the Commission will invite Araneta-Marcos to any hearing, as they have yet to formally review Santander’s letter.