First Lady’s Ties to Tech Mogul Under Scrutiny Amid Flood Project Scandal

John Santander

First Lady’s Ties to Tech Mogul Under Scrutiny Amid Flood Project Scandal

By Wilma N. Yamzon – TheNationWeek.com | October 21, 2025

MANILA, Philippines – A formal investigation into potential links between First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and tech entrepreneur Maynard Ngu is being pushed by a peace advocate as a growing controversy engulfs flood control projects plagued by allegations of corruption and a non-existent scheme.

Cultural and peace advocate John Santander has petitioned the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to launch a probe, citing concerns over Ngu’s alleged involvement in the scandal and his purported connections to Mrs. Marcos.

Ngu, known for his association with Cherry Mobile, has been identified as a possible intermediary for Sen. Chiz Escudero, who is himself implicated in the ongoing inquiry into the flood control initiatives.

Santander delivered a formal letter to ICI Chair Andres Reyes on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, urging a thorough examination of the relationship between Marcos and Ngu.

Following the submission, Santander publicly released photographs of the pair together, intensifying the pressure for transparency and accountability in government.

“Our concern stems solely from our duty as citizens of this country,” Santander emphasized in a press briefing.

“We are independent of any political alignment and seek only to ensure the integrity of vital infrastructure projects.”

The request for investigation comes at a time when public scrutiny intensifies over the so-called “ghost projects” in the flood control program.

The program has allegedly failed to deliver promised protection, despite millions of funds allocated for the flood control measures.

The ICI’s investigation promises to be a high-stakes affair, with the potential to expose corruption at the highest levels and significantly impact public trust in the government’s infrastructure development programs.