Metro Manila, Philippines – Former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manny Bonoan, a suspect in the flood control scandal, has been “overstaying” in the United States, Ombudsman Boying Remulla said.
In a press briefing on Thursday, Jan. 15, Remulla said the US State Department may deport Bonoan, who accompanied his wife for a medical procedure in November. His travel clearance was up to Dec. 17.
“They (the US) can actually send him home. They can actually deport him already. Kahit nag-apply siya ng extension of stay, kapag hindi gina-grant iyan, technically pwede siya sipain pa-uwi dito,” said Remulla.
[Translation: They can actually send him home. They can already deport him. Even if he applied for an extension of stay, if that is not granted, technically they can already kick him back here.]
Palace press officer Claire Castro said in a media briefing on Thursday, Jan. 15, that charges will still be filed against officials involved in the flood control corruption scandal even if they are out of the country.
Bonoan, who resigned in August, had maintained his innocence.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure had referred administrative cases before the ombudsman against the former DPWH chief for what it called anomalous projects in Bulacan.
Wrong grid coordinates
In a related development, Remulla also affirmed the statement of Senate President Pro Tempore Ping Lacson that Bonoan deliberately sent wrong grid coordinates of flood control projects, which formed part of the Sumbong sa Pangulo website.
Lacson previously said Bonoan deceived the president, resulting in inaccurate information on at least 421 ghost projects or those that were paid but turned out to be inexistent – which the ombudsman confirmed.
“Hindi siya 421. Maybe 30 percent lang ang ghost, baka less pa. Bine-verify pa…Noong tinitingnan namin ‘yung 421 ghost, marami talagang improbable. Kaya alam namin nanggaling sa first district of Bulacan ang coordinates na binago para yan ang mangyari. So it’s Secretary Bonoan or the people within the first district of Bulacan who did it,” Remulla said.
[Translation: It’s not 421. Maybe only around 30 percent. It’s still being verified…When we’re looking at the 421 ghost projects, there are really many improbabilities. That’s why we know the coordinates were altered coming from the first district of Bulacan so that this would happen. So it’s either Secretary Bonoan or the people within the first district of Bulacan who did it.]
The Senate blue ribbon panel will subpoena Bonoan on Monday, Jan. 19, as it resumes its inquiry on anomalous flood control deals.
