Former special envoy to China and businessman Maynard Ngu is under investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman, Ombudsman Boying Remulla confirmed in an interview with ABS-CBN News.
The inquiry follows allegations by former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo that Ngu delivered ₱160 million to Senator Chiz Escudero after certain projects were included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
“We delegated some cases in relation to this to the Department of Justice (DOJ),” Remulla said.
Private citizen Jay Altamera questioned why charges were not filed against Ngu, warning it could “create the public perception that politically connected businessmen are being treated differently from government officials and contractors.”
Ngu served as President Bongbong Marcos’ special envoy to China for trade, investment, and tourism in 2023, with the appointment expiring in August 2025, and is also CEO of Cherry Mobile.
Earlier, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) requested the DOJ to issue an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) for Ngu and other individuals linked to the flood control issue.