Malacañang confirmed that businessman Maynard Ngu is no longer serving as special envoy to China for trade, investments, and tourism, following the expiration of his six-month term in August.
Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said Wednesday that Ngu’s term ended in August 2025 and was not renewed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
“He (Ngu) is no longer special envoy as of August 2025. His term expired, and it was not renewed,” Castro said, clarifying that Ngu was neither asked to resign nor did he step down voluntarily.
When asked whether Ngu’s name being linked to the alleged “ghost” flood control project controversy had anything to do with the decision, Castro said his departure was simply due to the natural end of his appointment.
Recently, Ngu came under scrutiny after a private citizen filed a letter of sentiment before the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), urging the body to look into his supposed ties with First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos amid the controversy.
Meanwhile, First Lady Araneta-Marcos dismissed the letter of sentiment submitted to the ICI, saying the complaint was based purely on hearsay.
In a Palace briefing, Castro said the First Lady personally stated she would not deal with the letter reportedly submitted by a certain John Santander, stressing that “all the so-called evidence presented were hearsay.”
“First of all, the First Lady said she would not give this any attention because it is hearsay evidence. We know that the First Lady is also a lawyer,” Castro said.
Asked about the relationship between Araneta-Marcos and Ngu, Castro said the First Lady did not disclose anything about the matter.
Castro described the letter as a “fishing expedition” meant to malign the First Lady, questioning Santander’s credibility.
“It seems that Mr. Santander is like a nuisance candidate who was given money to buy vinegar and then used the opportunity to hand over the so-called letter of sentiment to the ICI,” she said.
Editor’s Note: This story has been updated.
