Citizen Pushes ICI to Investigate First Lady’s Alleged Connection With Tech Mogul Maynard Ngu

A private citizen, John Santander, a cultural and peace advocate, has formally urged the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate the alleged connections between First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and billionaire businessman Maynard Ngu, citing possible conflicts of interest and political influence in government appointments and projects.

In a letter submitted to the ICI office on Tuesday, Santander commended the commission for requesting the Department of Justice (DOJ) to issue a lookout bulletin order against multiple individuals, including Ngu. However, he expressed concern that the commission has yet to summon Ngu to testify regarding allegations raised during Senate hearings and previous investigations.

The letter urged the ICI to pursue former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo’s claim that Ngu acted as the “bagman” of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, allegedly handling transactions involving unprogrammed funds for projects endorsed by the senator.

Beyond these claims, Santander called attention to what he described as an unexplored lead — the possible involvement or benefit of the First Lady in Ngu’s business and political dealings. The letter cited a Rapplerinvestigative report that linked Ngu to Malacañang appointments, referencing former Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez’s book “The Kingmaker.”

The book includes a purported list of appointments allegedly influenced by the First Lady and coursed through Ngu, including Bernardo’s promotion within the DPWH.

The complainant also pointed out that Ngu’s appointment as Special Envoy to China for Trade, Investment, and Tourism may have stemmed from his close ties to the First Lady. Attached photos reportedly show Araneta-Marcos and Ngu together at various events — including a Cherry Mobile function and a dinner at Cork Wine Bar, an establishment owned by Ngu.

Citing a report from Bilyonaryo News Channel, the letter alleged that Cork Wine Bar hosted a ₱5-million-per-head fundraising event for then-presidential candidate Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in March 2022. Santander questioned whether this fundraiser played a role in Ngu’s subsequent diplomatic appointment.

The letter urged the ICI to take immediate steps, including conducting a motu proprio investigation, inviting both Ngu and the First Lady to testify before the commission, and recommending criminal charges to the DOJ or the Office of the Ombudsman if warranted by evidence.

Santander concluded by emphasizing that backroom deals and political lobbying “make a mockery of the Constitution” and erode public trust in government accountability.

The ICI has yet to issue an official statement regarding the letter and whether it intends to summon the individuals named in the request.

ICI Executive Director and spokesperson Atty. Brian Hosaka assured that the documents submitted by Santander would be reviewed, and the commission would determine whether there is sufficient basis to summon Ngu and the First Lady.

Ngu, a technology magnate, was appointed Special Envoy to China for Trade, Investment, and Tourism in 2023.