Mary Ann Maslog is one of the most controversial figures in modern Philippine history. Her name has been linked to major government scams, identity changes, international fraud, and dramatic court cases spanning more than two decades. From being a medical representative to becoming a convicted criminal, her story is complex, shocking, and filled with twists that continue to attract public attention.
This extensive and well-researched biography explains who Mary Ann Maslog is, how she rose to prominence, the controversies that defined her life, and the truth behind her alleged death. Written in simple English, this article aims to be informative, engaging, and helpful for readers searching for accurate details about her life.
Biography
Mary Ann Maslog is a Filipina businesswoman who became widely known due to her involvement in the 1998 Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) textbook scam. Over the years, she has used several names, including Mary Ann Evans Smith, Mary Ann Tupa Maslog, Mary Ann Tupa Maslog–Smith, and Jessica Sese Francisco. These name changes later became central to her legal and identity-related controversies.
She was born in the Philippines and began her professional life in the early 1990s. In 1992, Mary Ann worked as a medical representative for Dispo Philippines in Davao City. Her career progressed quickly, and within the same year, she was promoted to Assistant Sales Manager. She was later assigned to Butuan City, where she met her future husband, Rommel Maslog.
In 1997, Mary Ann and Rommel established Esteem Enterprises, a company focused on securing government contracts for the supply of medicines and textbooks. This business later became the center of one of the biggest textbook-related scandals in Philippine history.
Despite attempts to disappear from public view, fake her death, and assume new identities, Mary Ann Maslog resurfaced multiple times, leading to renewed investigations and eventual imprisonment.
Career
Mary Ann Maslog’s career began legitimately in the private sector. Her early work in pharmaceutical sales showed promise, and her rise within Dispo Philippines demonstrated her ability to negotiate and manage sales operations.
Her career took a major turn when she entered the world of government procurement. Through Esteem Enterprises, she actively pursued contracts with government agencies, particularly the DECS. This ambition led directly to the infamous 1998 DECS textbook scam.
1998 DECS Textbook Scam
In late 1998, Mary Ann Maslog conspired with DECS officials Emilia V. Aranas and Ernesto R. Guiang. Investigations revealed that the two officials processed and approved a ₱24 million supply contract in favor of Esteem Enterprises. The documents supporting the release of funds, including the Sub-Allotment Release Order (SARO), were later found to be falsified.
On January 19, 1999, Maslog was caught delivering ₱3 million in cash inside a box at the Department of Budget and Management office within the Malacañang Palace compound. The box was addressed to then DBM Secretary Benjamin Diokno, who immediately ordered an investigation by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
Senate Hearings and “Gang of Four” Allegations
Mary Ann was summoned to Senate hearings led by Senator Nene Pimentel. During the hearings, she was described as evasive. The NBI disclosed that the money was allegedly intended for senior officials, although these claims were later dismissed.
Senator Raul Roco revealed that Maslog was allegedly part of the so-called “Gang of Four”, a group of lobbyists accused of influence-peddling at DECS. Maslog denied being part of this group, but the allegations severely damaged her public image.
United States Immigration Scam
After fleeing the Philippines, Maslog moved to the United States and assumed the name Mary Ann Smith. She remarried and became involved in an immigration fraud scheme through a company called International Business Network (IBN).
The scheme targeted immigrants seeking student visas for relatives. Victims were charged $6,500 per applicant, and the operation falsely claimed connections with U.S. immigration authorities. At least 34 victims lost a total of $359,270. Maslog pleaded guilty to wire fraud and mail fraud and was sentenced to six years in prison in the United States.
Personal Life
Mary Ann Maslog was previously married to Rommel Maslog, who later became the mayor of Talisayan, Misamis Oriental. Their marriage eventually ended in separation.
During her time in the United States, she remarried Michael Lee Smith, adopting his surname. Reports later suggested that she had a relationship with a foreign national named Wouter De Jong.
Her personal life has often overlapped with her professional and criminal activities. She maintained close connections with politicians, law enforcement officers, and influential figures, which later raised serious ethical and legal questions.
Controversies
Mary Ann Maslog’s life is marked by numerous controversies that span decades.
Fake Death Claim
In 2019, her lawyers submitted documents to the Sandiganbayan claiming that she had died on November 18, 2019. Based on these death certificates, the case against her was temporarily dismissed. This move shocked the public when she reappeared years later.
Return as “Jessica Francisco”
Maslog later returned to the Philippines under the identity “Dr. Jessica Sese Francisco.” She claimed to be a consultant and business supplier, but authorities failed to verify her credentials.
In September 2024, she was arrested after complaints of fraud related to water systems and medical supplies in Bangsamoro. Fingerprint analysis confirmed that Jessica Francisco and Mary Ann Maslog were the same person.
Involvement in Alice Guo Case
Maslog became involved in the investigation surrounding the escape and arrest of former Bamban Mayor Alice Guo. She admitted traveling to Indonesia to meet Guo and claimed involvement with the PNP Intelligence Group, though officials denied her statements.
Her inconsistent testimonies led to calls for contempt proceedings in the Senate.
Cause of Death
Despite official claims made in 2019, Mary Ann Maslog is not dead.
The alleged cause of death presented to the Sandiganbayan was later proven false. Her supposed death was based on fraudulent documents, which allowed her to temporarily avoid conviction. Her reappearance in 2024 exposed the deception.
As of January 2025, Maslog is alive, convicted of graft, and serving a 10-year prison sentence at the National Bureau of Investigation facility in Muntinlupa.
Conclusion
Mary Ann Maslog’s biography is a powerful example of how deception, ambition, and misuse of influence can lead to long-term consequences. From a promising professional career to becoming a symbol of corruption and fraud, her story reflects serious weaknesses in systems of accountability.
Her multiple identities, fake death claim, and repeated involvement in high-profile cases have made her one of the most talked-about figures in Philippine legal history. Today, her conviction serves as a reminder that justice, even if delayed, can still prevail.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Mary Ann Maslog?
Mary Ann Maslog is a Filipina businesswoman known for her role in the 1998 DECS textbook scam and later fraud cases in the Philippines and the United States.
2. Is Mary Ann Maslog dead?
No. Claims of her death in 2019 were false. She was later arrested and convicted.
3. What crime did Mary Ann Maslog commit?
She was convicted of graft related to the DECS textbook scam and also served prison time in the U.S. for immigration fraud.
4. Why did Mary Ann Maslog use different names?
She used multiple identities to evade authorities and continue her activities under new aliases.
5. Where is Mary Ann Maslog now?
As of 2025, she is imprisoned at the National Bureau of Investigation facility in Muntinlupa.
Peter Charles is a journalist and writer who covers battery-material recycling, urban mining, and the growing use of microreactors in industry. With 10 years of experience in industrial reporting, he explains new technologies and industry changes in clear, simple terms. He holds both a BSc and an MSc in Electrical Engineering, which gives him the technical knowledge to report accurately and insightfully on these topics.
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