Liza Marcos, Maynard Ngu Face Calls for Investigation Over Flood Control Scam
Calls have been made for the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to investigate the alleged connection between First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Special Envoy to China for Trade, Investment, and Tourism Maynard Ngu in relation to the ongoing flood control scam controversy.
On Tuesday, October 21, cultural and peace advocate John Santander submitted a letter of sentiment to ICI Chair Andres Reyes, urging the commission to include both Araneta-Marcos and Ngu in its probe. Attached to the letter were photos showing the two attending public events together, which Santander claimed could indicate a close association.
In his letter, Santander expressed concern that Ngu had not yet been summoned by the commission despite reports linking him to questionable government transactions. He suggested that both Ngu and the First Lady might have benefited from each other through political and business connections.
The letter also cited reports alleging that Ngu recommended several appointments to Malacañang based on a list supposedly endorsed by the First Lady and sent to former Executive Secretary Atty. Vic Rodriguez. Among those allegedly included was Roberto Bernardo, who was appointed senior undersecretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Santander further noted that Ngu’s appointment as Special Envoy to China may have been influenced by his ties to the First Lady. Additionally, the letter referenced a report from the Bilyonaryo News Channel, which claimed that Senator Chiz Escudero and Bernardo once met at Ngu’s Cork Wine Bar to discuss infrastructure projects.
The controversy deepened after Bernardo recently alleged that Ngu acted as Escudero’s “bagman” in supposed kickback operations tied to government infrastructure projects.
The ICI has yet to release a statement on whether it will formally investigate these new allegations involving the First Lady and Ngu.