ICI to verify private citizen’s accusation vs first lady, special envoy
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) will invite first lady Liza Araneta-Marcos to its inquiry into anomalous flood control projects only if there is “competent” basis to do so, an official said on Tuesday.
In a “letter of sentiment” he delivered to the ICI, private citizen John Santander urged it to investigate the alleged ties between the first lady and Maynard Ngu, President Marcos’ special envoy to China who has been tagged as a conduit of kickbacks from flood control projects.
As of last night, there was no comment from the first lady, Malacañang and Ngu.
But ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka said it was too early to tell if Araneta-Marcos would be invited to its hearings since the commission has yet to review Santander’s letter.
“If there’s any reliable and competent basis for the commission to invite any personality, as I said before, that would lead to finding the truth, so we can know what the truth really is,’’ he told reporters when asked about the possibility of inviting the first lady to its investigation.
“But of course, we have to validate this. They will be invited upon their discretion. We are being consistent here. We go where the evidence takes us,” he added.
Ngu is the President’s special envoy to China for trade, investment and tourism, and CEO of Cosmic Technologies, developer of Cherry Mobile phones.
Close ties
In his letter, Santander, who identifies himself as a cultural and peace advocate, alleged that Araneta-Marcos and Ngu have a “close relationship,’’ noting that they attended public events together.
At a recent Cherry Mobile event, which had the President as a guest, the first lady “wined and dined” with Ngu, Sen. Francis Escudero, and his wife, actress Heart Evangelista.
In March 2022, Ngu hosted a fundraiser for Marcos, then a presidential candidate, at the Cork Wine Bar, reportedly owned by the tech billionaire. Attendees, including Ngu, reportedly contributed P5 million each, Santander claimed.
“Is this the reason why Maynard Ngu was appointed as Special Envoy and why the First Lady would refer to Atty. Vic Rodriguez a list of appointments recommended by Maynard Ngu?” Santander said, referring to the former executive secretary.
In an interview with reporters, Santander showed two photos showing Araneta-Marcos and Ngu together.
“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 said.
