THE Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is taking a cautious approach to potentially involving First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos in its probe of anomalous flood control projects, stating through an official on Tuesday that an invitation will only be extended if there’s a “competent” justification.
The statement comes after private citizen John Santander urged the ICI to investigate alleged ties between the First Lady and Maynard Ngu, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s special envoy to China, who has been tagged as a conduit of kickbacks from flood control projects. Santander delivered a “letter of sentiment” to the ICI, outlining his concerns. As of last night, there was no comment from the First Lady, Malacañang, or Ngu.
ICI Executive Director Brian Keith Hosaka stated that it was too early to determine if Araneta-Marcos would be invited to the hearings, as 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,” Hosaka told reporters.
He added that the commission will validate the information and that invitations will be based on its discretion, emphasizing that “We go where the evidence takes us.” Santander, identifying himself as a cultural and peace advocate, alleged that Araneta-Marcos and Ngu have a “close relationship,” noting their attendance at public events together.
He also pointed to a recent Cherry Mobile event where the First Lady “wined and dined” with Ngu, Sen. Francis Escudero, and his wife, actress Heart Evangelista, as well as a fundraiser hosted by Ngu for Marcos in March 2022. Santander questioned whether Ngu’s alleged ties to the First Lady were the reason for his appointment as Special Envoy and whether she referred a list of appointments recommended by Ngu to former executive secretary Atty. Vic Rodriguez. Santander presented photos showing Araneta-Marcos and Ngu together, emphasizing that his concerns were not politically motivated.
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