Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan,
FORMER DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan has departed the Philippines for the United States, the Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed Tuesday.
Bonoan is among former officials of the DPWH linked to allegedly anomalous flood control projects.
“We confirm the earlier departure of former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan for the United States of America to accompany his wife for the latter’s medical procedure,” said DOJ Spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez in a statement.
The DOJ also said there exists no legal prohibition to Bonoan’s constitutional right to travel.
“Travel has been reported to be up until December 17, 2025,” Martinez said.
The Bureau of Immigration also confirmed that Bonoan was cleared to depart since there is no pending warrant of arrest against him.
“We confirm that former Secretary Manny Bonoan departed this afternoon for the United States via Taiwan,” BI said in a statement.
“He is covered by an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) earlier issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Upon encounter, immigration officers immediately coordinated with the DOJ to verify if a hold departure order or warrant of arrest was in effect. The DOJ confirmed that none exists hence he was cleared to depart,” it added.
In a separate statement, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) executive director Brian Hosaka said they have already made recommendations and referrals with the Office of the Ombudsman regarding the possible liability of Bonoan in connection with anomalous flood control projects, but it does not have the power to issue hold departure orders.
“The ICI will continue to investigate and make referrals to the Ombudsman as the evidence warrants against all those who may be responsible, regardless of their whereabouts. The ICI does not have the power to issue hold departure orders, it can only recommend to the DOJ to place an individual in its immigration look out bulletin,” he explained.
