Metro Manila, Philippines – Former Public Works Secretary Manny Bonoan drew senators’ ire as he denied receiving kickbacks from flood control projects and submitting incorrect coordinates that delayed investigations.
Bonoan attended the 8th hearing of the Senate blue ribbon committee on the flood control corruption scandal on Monday, Jan. 19. He flew in from the US on Sunday in response to a subpoena.
Senator Win Gatchalian expressed his frustration, saying Bonoan received ₱2.2 billion in kickbacks from anomalous flood control projects, based on the affidavit of former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who is now a state witness.
“Nakakuha kayo ng kickback… Nandito tayo ngayon dito sa hearing because for the last [three] years, pinabayaan niyong nangyayari ito under your watch,” he said.
[Translation: You received kickbacks… We are here in this hearing now because for the last three years, you allowed this to happen under your watch.]
“Secretary kayo ng DPWH, may mga ghost projects, may 20-25% [kickback] nangyayari sa inyong opisina,” Gatchalian said.
[Translation: You were the DPWH secretary, there were ghost projects, and 20–25% kickbacks were happening in your office.]
Bonoan replied, “As secretary of the department, I have general oversight of all the —,” with Gatchalian cutting him off.
“Kung kasali ho kayo sa kickback yang oversight walang kwenta ho yan [If you were involved in the kickbacks, that oversight is useless],” Gatchalian said, prompting another denial from Bonoan.
“In my opinion kasali ho kayo rito [you are involved in this],” Gatchalian said.
“I don’t expect you to admit that… but I’m just airing out my frustration,” he added.
Senate President Pro Tempore and blue ribbon committee chairman Panfilo “Ping” Lacson took exception to Bonoan’s statement that he exercised oversight as agency head.
“As secretary, I exercise overall supervision, authority, and oversight,” Bonoan replied.
Gatchalian once again cut him off.
“As secretary you exercise control. You have control over the department, all the way to the last janitor,” he said.
“Yes, your honor but I also rely on my people under me,” Bonoan said.
Wrong coordinates
Bonoan said he also relied on his subordinates in connection with the allegedly wrong coordinates he provided Malacañang.
“Especially the office of the late Undersecretary Cathy Cabral,” he said.
Both the DPWH and the Department of Justice investigating the alleged ghost flood control projects said the wrong coordinates have been causing delays in their verification process.
DPWH Undersecretary Arthur Bisnar said 337 out of more than 400 suspected ghost flood control projects had wrong coordinates.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said only 14 of these projects have been confirmed by evidence to be ghost or non-existent so far.
The DOJ on Monday also confirmed that Bonoan is a co-respondent in a plunder complaint filed by the National Bureau of Investigation, along with Senator Jinggoy Estrada. Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez said it is in connection with alleged ill-gotten wealth worth more than ₱50 million. Both Bonoan and Estrada have denied involvement in corruption in flood control projects.
