Metro Manila, Philippines – Former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan – who is on a lookout order over the flood control mess – has left the country for the United States on Tuesday, Nov. 11, the Bureau of Immigration said.
In a statement, the agency said the Department of Justice (DOJ) cleared Bonoan as he has no hold departure order and warrant of arrest.
In a separate statement, Justice spokesperson Polo Martinez said Bonoan was with his wife to undergo a medical procedure.
He said the travel clearance is until Dec. 17.
The DOJ also noted that “there is no legal prohibition to Bonoan’s constitutional right to travel.”
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure – the body probing anomalous flood control deals – has earlier recommended to the ombudsman to file charges against Bonoan for his supposed negligence on at least two flood control projects in Bulacan.
It also asked the DOJ to place him on a lookout order.
Bonoan, appointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022, quit as DPWH secretary in September amid the flood control scandal and has denied his alleged involvement.
He was replaced by Vince Dizon, who was former Department of Transportation secretary.
