Ex-DPWH sec Bonoan travels to US amid probe

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan has left the Philippines for the United States to accompany his wife for a medical procedure.

The Bureau of Immigration confirmed his departure, noting he was covered by an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The DOJ confirmed that no hold departure order or warrant of arrest was in effect for Bonoan, allowing him to travel.

His trip is expected to last until December 17, 2025.

Bonoan's departure occurs amidst an ongoing investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects during his term as DPWH secretary.

This investigation includes a report by the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) accusing him of 'inexcusable negligence tantamount to fraud' for failing to prevent alleged plunder of public funds.