Malacañang has questioned whether the letter of sentiment asking the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) to probe the possible ties of First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and Maynard Ngu, who was linked to the flood-control controversy, was a "fishing expedition" aimed at ruining the First Lady's image.

"Ito po ba ay isang fishing expedition lamang para siraan ang unang ginang (Is this a fishing expedition to destroy the image of the First Lady)?" Palace Press Officer and Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro asked on Wednesday, Oct. 22.

In a Palace briefing, Castro said the First Lady does not want to give any attention to the move, stressing that the letter only has "hearsay evidence."

"Ang unang unang sabi po ng First Lady ay hindi niya po ito bibigyan ng anumang pansin dahil ito po ay hearsay evidence. Alam po natin na ang First Lady ay abogado rin po (The First Lady said that she would not give this any attention because it is hearsay evidence. We know that the First Lady is also a lawyer)," Castro said.

According to Castro, the sentiment letter did not contain evidence that would link the First Lady to any anomalous flood control project.

She also stressed that if Santander has no personal knowledge about the possible link, then it was indeed hearsay evidence.

"Dahil kung walang personal knowledge, ito ay magsisilbing hearsay evidence. Kung hearsay evidence, ito po ba dapat ay binibigyan pa ng pagtutuon at seryosong konsiderasyon (Because if there is no personal knowledge, it will serve as hearsay evidence. And if it is hearsay, should it still be given attention and serious consideration)?" the Palace official questioned.

"Mismong ang mga attachment ay walang nag-uugnay at walang naipakitang ebidensya na magsasabing merong anomalyang flood control project na pinasok ng unang ginang (Even the attachments themselves do not show or establish any evidence linking the First Lady to any anomalous flood control project)," she added.

Castro also described Santander as someone who "appears to be a nuisance candidate allegedly given money to buy vinegar and, at the same time, deliver the letter of sentiment to the ICI."

The Palace press officer explained that providing the ICI leads that would help them with the investigation on anomalous flood control projects must also be backed by evidence, otherwise it would only dump more work to the ICI, considering how widespread the flood control mess right now.

"Pwede nating i-encourage pag sila ay kumpleto ng ebidensya. Kung mayroong patutunguhan, vetted (We can encourage them to proceed if they have complete evidence and if their claims are properly vetted and have direction)," Castro said.

"Pero kung ito po ay paraan lamang para magkaroon ng fishing expedition, para ang ICI ang gumawa ng paraan para mag-imbestiga sa mga akosasyong wala namang basehan, hindi po kasi yata yun ang mandato ng ICI, dahil ang mandato ng ICI, diretso tayo sa mga maanomalyang flood control projects at infrastructure (But if this is merely a way to conduct a fishing expedition—asking the ICI to investigate baseless accusations—then that does not seem to fall under the ICI’s mandate. The ICI’s mandate is to focus directly on anomalous flood control projects and infrastructure)," Castro added.

Castro further said that if they truly have evidence, verified documents, and personal knowledge, then they should simply bring those to the ICI.

The problem with Santander's letter, Castro noted, was it has no lead about flood control projects.

She also said the people need to understand that one cannot simply write a letter and demand an investigation.

"Marami na pong mga issues ang iniimbestigahan ng ICI, mga issues na may ebidensya, mga issues na dapat imbestigahan. Wag na po silang magdagdag kung ang balak lamang nila ay isang fishing expedition (The ICI is already looking into numerous issues—issues backed by evidence, issues that truly warrant investigation. They should not add to the pile if their only intention is to conduct a fishing expedition)," Castro stated.

Meanwhile, the Palace official confirmed that Ngu is no longer the country's special envoy to China for trade, investments, and tourism.

As of August 2025, he no longer holds the position of special envoy, as his term has already expired.

"Nag-expire po kasi ang term niya, tapos na po. Six months lamang po iyon, so hindi naman po ni-renew (His term expired. It was only six months, and he was not renewed)," she said.