Manila: Malaca±ang announced on Tuesday that it will not be involved in the potential decision to declare former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan a state witness in relation to alleged irregularities in flood control projects. Palace Press Officer Claire Castro emphasized the executive branch's respect for the independence of the Office of the Ombudsman, which is considering Bonoan's status in the ongoing investigation into these anomalies.

According to Philippines News Agency, Castro affirmed that as long as legal procedures are adhered to, the Palace will leave the matter to the discretion of the Ombudsman. Castro stated, "We do not interfere with whatever policy the Ombudsman will adopt because we recognize that it is an independent body, and we will not meddle with its processes, provided that these are not against the law."

Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla recently noted that Bonoan is being considered as a state witness, highlighting the significance of his testimony in building cases against those allegedly involved in the fraudulent flood control projects. Originally, Bonoan faced plunder charges alongside Senator Jinggoy Estrada and other Department of Public Works and Highways officials. Despite being arrested on June 1 for a non-bailable plunder case, his motion for house arrest was partially granted due to his age and health conditions.

In response to Senator Panfilo Lacson's demand for transparency concerning the terms of any agreement qualifying Bonoan as a state witness, including potential restitution of government funds, Castro reiterated that the decision is up to the Ombudsman. She also mentioned that the concept of restitution had been previously suggested by Remulla when he served as justice secretary. Castro remarked, "We have already heard that proposal when he was still Secretary of Justice-that restitution is necessary. So again, we do not know what the position of the Office of the Ombudsman will be. It might be similar to his view when he was still Secretary of Justice."