Metro Manila, Philippines – Former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan returned to the Philippines on Sunday, Jan. 18, ahead of the resumption of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee investigation into the flood control mess, where he has been tagged.
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Bonoan arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday morning, aboard a China Airlines flight from Taipei.
The BI said he returned without any reported travel companion.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) placed Bonoan in an immigration lookout bulletin order to monitor his travels amid an ongoing investigation into alleged anomalous flood control and “ghost” or non-existent projects.
The former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) chief departed for the United States to accompany his wife for a medical procedure in November.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Bonoan was “overstaying” in the US as his travel clearance was only up to Dec. 17.
In an interview with NewsWatch Plus, Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Manuel Romualdez said Bonoan told him he got the permission of the Department of Justice to extend his stay, a request he sought due to his wife’s condition.
Romualdez said Bonoan was expected to return to the country in February.
In his return, Bonoan will have to answer allegations of deliberately submitting incorrect coordinates of flood control projects to Malacañang, which formed part of the Sumbong sa Pangulo website.
READ: ‘Niloko niya si pangulo’: Bonoan under fire for faulty flood control data
Bonoan will also face claims of leading a kickback scheme in the DPWH involving “allocable funds” or DPWH funds assigned to congressional districts with lawmakers’ influence. He allegedly instructed the late Public Works Undersecretary Catalina Cabral to create the formula for the discretionary funds.
“Allocables” have been likened to pork barrel funds, which have been declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Bonoan earlier denied involvement in corruption
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee has issued a subpoena to compel Bonoan’s appearance to the panel’s hearing on Monday, Jan. 19.
