Metro Manila, Philippines – Former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, one of the officials tagged in the flood control corruption scandal, has yet to return to the country despite an earlier pronouncement that his trip to the US would end on Dec. 17, authorities said.
“He was supposed to return to the country last December 17 but the information that we received from the Bureau of Immigration is that he has not yet complied with that commitment to return,” Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said in a press conference on Friday, Dec. 19.
Bonoan left the country on Nov. 11, saying he would accompany his wife to the US for a medical procedure.
He is among those under investigation for alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects and kickback schemes. The Department of Justice (DOJ) placed him under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO), which requires immigration authorities to coordinate his travels with the DOJ.
Despite the ILBO, Bonoan was allowed to leave the country as there is no hold departure order or warrant of arrest against him.
When asked what actions the government could take if Bonoan fails to return, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said authorities may exhaust legal remedies should a warrant be issued or if Bonoan is later considered a fugitive. Possible measures include the cancellation of his passport.
Bonoan has denied the corruption allegations against him.
