Who is Maynard Ngu? Escudero’s Alleged Bagman in DPWH Kickback Scandal

MANILA – September 25, 2025: Businessman Maynard Ngu has been named in the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing as the alleged “bagman” of Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero in supposed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) kickback deals. The claims were made by former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who directly linked Ngu to multimillion-peso transactions.

Business Profile of Maynard Ngu

Ngu is widely known in the Philippines as the founder, president, and CEO of Cosmic Technologies, the company behind Cherry Mobile. He is also a majority owner of Cork Wine Bar in Bonifacio Global City (BGC), a luxury bar popular with politicians and celebrities.

The Cork Wine Bar even hosted the renewal of wedding vows of Senator Escudero and Heart Evangelista in 2024. Ngu and Evangelista are also business partners in Pure Living Wellness International Inc., a skincare and wellness company.

Marcos Appointment and Political Ties

In March 2023, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appointed Ngu as Special Envoy to China for Trade, Investment and Tourism.

Ngu also supported Escudero’s 2022 Senate campaign by donating ₱30 million, as shown in official election records. This financial link has fueled public speculation about their political and business ties.

Kickback Allegations in DPWH Projects

According to Bernardo’s sworn statement, Ngu arranged meetings with Escudero in a private room at Cork Wine Bar.

He claimed Escudero asked for “downloads” from DPWH funds. Bernardo alleged that ₱800 million worth of projects in Valenzuela and Marinduque were facilitated, with ₱160 million in kickbacks supposedly delivered to Ngu for Escudero.

Bernardo added that in July 2025, he personally saw Escudero and Ngu together, where the senator thanked him for the “support.”

Escudero has vehemently denied the accusations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.

Government Contracts and Legal Issues

Ngu’s company Cosmic Technologies has been a government supplier for years. It secured a ₱386 million contract with DepEd in 2024 and a ₱100 million contract with PAGCOR in 2023.

Critics point out that under election law, government contractors are prohibited from donating to campaigns. Ngu’s large contribution to Escudero’s Senate bid has therefore raised legal and ethical concerns.

Key Points About Maynard Ngu

• CEO of Cherry Mobile (Cosmic Technologies)

• Co-owner of Cork Wine Bar in BGC

• Business partner of Heart Evangelista

• Marcos appointee as envoy to China in 2023

• ₱30 million donor to Escudero’s 2022 campaign

• Accused of being bagman in ₱160M DPWH kickback scheme

• Linked to multiple government supply contracts