THE MAN AT the helm of the graft-ridden Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is back — and reportedly keen on the idea of “spilling the beans” when the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee resumes the congressional investigation over the so-called flood control scandal.
According to the Bureau of Immigrations, former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan arrived Sunday morning (January 18) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 following his trip to the United States.
From the US, Bonoan flew to Taipei from where he took China Airlines flight CI0701 bound for Manila. He reportedly alighted the plane without a companion.
SIGNIFICANT FIGURE
Bonoan, who has been dragged into the flood control scandal, left on November 11, 2025 to accompany his wife for a medical procedure in the US.
He however failed to return on December 17, for which Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla hinted at the possibility of the Philippine government requesting its American counterpart to consider the idea of deporting Bonoan.
Bonoan’s name formed part of the BI’s lookout bulletin order in connection with his alleged involvement in flood control corruption during his tenure as DPWH chief.
TIES TO CONTRACTORS
Sometime in September 2025, Bonoan was implicated in the anomalous flood control projects amid ties to several infrastructure contractors, including one company owned by his daughter’s business partner.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure in November recommended the filing of multiple criminal complaints against Bonoan.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said they have forwarded information surrounding Bonoan’s return to the Department of Justice.
SENATE HEARING
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee led by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson will resume its hearing on the flood control scam on Monday (January 19).
Lacson has yet to issue a statement as to whether or not Bonoan would appear in the “congressional investigation in aid of legislation.”
