THE Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has ordered the release of former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan from hospital detention, formalizing his removal as a co‑accused in the ₱573‑million plunder and graft cases linked to the flood control scandal. In a resolution dated September 1, the court granted the motion filed by Bonoan’s counsel, recalling the commitment orders issued against him on June 19 and directing his immediate release.
The decision follows an earlier ruling that dropped Bonoan from the list of respondents in the two criminal cases, paving the way for his discharge from custody.
In exchange for his release, Bonoan will serve as one of the government’s key witnesses in the flood control cases, providing testimony to support the prosecution’s case against the remaining accused persons.
The court directed Police Brigadier General Portia Manalad of the PNP Health Service General Hospital to carry out the release order, subject only to any other lawful grounds for detention that may exist. The resolution came after Bonoan’s lawyer, Stefanie Liz Ong, formally moved for his release during proceedings on Thursday, September 3.
While Bonoan has been cleared of the plunder and graft charges before the Fifth Division, he still faces a separate graft case filed before the Sandiganbayan Second Division, also in connection with the flood control irregularities.
Unlike plunder, graft is a bailable offense, and Bonoan has already posted the required ₱90,000 bail for that charge, meaning he remains free pending the resolution of that separate case.
metrosundaily
