Malacañang on Wednesday downplayed a request submitted to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) seeking an investigation into first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos’ alleged ties to Maynard Ngu, tagging it as a mere ‘fishing expedition’ to tarnish her name.
These remarks came in response to a letter of sentiment filed by cultural and peace advocate John Santander before the ICI, urging the super body to investigate the supposed connection between Araneta-Marcos and Ngu.
Ngu is the tech billionaire behind Cherry Mobile, whom some sectors have linked to the flood-control controversy. His term as special envoy to China for trade, investments, and tourism expired in August 2025.
‘The First Lady’s initial remark was that she would not give it any attention because it was hearsay evidence,’ Palace press officer Claire Castro, speaking in Filipino, said in a briefing, citing a conversation with the first lady.
‘Is this merely a fishing expedition intended to discredit the First Lady?’ she also asked.
Castro also questioned Santander’s credibility in filing the letter, saying, ‘It’s as if he were a nuisance candidate who was given some money to buy vinegar and, while at it, handed over a letter of sentiment to be submitted to the ICI.’
Castro added that, according to the letter, there is no information linking the first lady to the controversial flood-control project.
She further questioned whether Santander fully understood the ICI’s mandate and whether he had any personal knowledge of the alleged relationship between Araneta-Marcos and Ngu.
On Tuesday, Santander went to the ICI building to submit his letter of sentiment addressed to ICI chair Andres Reyes.
‘We are not pro-Marcos. We are not DDS [Die-hard Duterte Supporters], and we are not Kakampink. This is our own perspective as a part or as individuals living in our country,’ he told reporters, while showing two photos showing Marcos and Ngu together.
Ngu was recently tagged as the alleged bagman of Sen. Francis Escudero, one of the lawmakers implicated in the anomalies.
Earlier, former Public Works Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo alleged that he had coursed P160 million in kickbacks through Ngu.
Submission of leads encouraged
Despite dismissing Santander’s call for an investigation, Castro urged the public to submit to the ICC any leads or information they have, as long as they are vetted.
‘We can encourage it when they have complete evidence. If it has a clear direction and is vetted, then that’s fine; but if it’s merely a way to conduct a fishing expedition-for the ICI to investigate accusations that have no basis-then that doesn’t seem to be the ICI’s mandate, because the ICI’s mandate is to directly focus on anomalous flood control projects and infrastructure,’ she said.
This was not the case in Santander’s letter of sentiment, as it did not contain leads related to flood control or infrastructure projects, she said.
‘That’s what the people, our fellow citizens, need to understand. They shouldn’t just write a letter and say that something should be investigated, because the ICI is already looking into many issues-issues that have evidence, issues that truly need to be investigated. They shouldn’t add more if their only intention is to conduct a fishing expedition,’ said Castro. /mr