ICI reviews probe into First Lady's alleged ties with tech exec

An independent commission for infrastructure (ICI) is reviewing a request for an investigation into potential links between First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and tech executive Maynard Ngu, filed by cultural and peace advocate John Santander.

Santander submitted media reports, including photos of Marcos and Ngu together at events, as evidence, and expressed concerns that the ICI has not yet summoned Ngu in its investigation of anomalous flood control projects.

The Palace described the request as a "fishing expedition" intended to tarnish the First Lady's name and dismissed the claims as "hearsay."

Palace press officer Claire Castro stated that the First Lady would not give the matter attention as it is hearsay and questioned Santander's credibility.

Castro also noted that Santander's letter to the ICI does not contain any information linking the First Lady to anomalous flood-control projects, nor does he seem to possess personal knowledge or solid leads about the matter.

Santander alleged that Mrs. Marcos and Ngu have a "close relationship," claiming that Ngu organized a 2022 fundraiser for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during his presidential campaign.

Ngu has been identified as the alleged bagman of Senator Francis Escudero, who has already denied the allegations.

However, Castro stated that the First Lady did not comment on her relationship with Ngu.