Manila: is considering former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan as a state witness, citing his testimony as crucial in the cases against individuals involved in anomalous flood control projects.
According to Philippines News Agency, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced at a press conference the intention to utilize Bonoan's cooperation. Remulla mentioned that a side agreement has been made for Bonoan to serve as a cooperating witness. The Ombudsman plans to request the Sandiganbayan to discharge Bonoan as a respondent, allowing him to testify as a state witness.
Remulla highlighted the importance of Bonoan's knowledge about the institution, expressing that it would significantly aid in proving numerous cases. Bonoan's testimony is expected to be beneficial for the ongoing and upcoming cases filed by the Ombudsman.
Initially, Bonoan faced charges of plunder alongside Senator Jinggoy Estrada and several former DPWH officials, including Denryl Caesar Sanchez Cortuna, Manny Bumagat Bulusan, and Arturo Lombres Gonzales Jr. Bonoan was arrested on June 1 on a non-bailable plunder charge. However, due to his advanced age and life-threatening medical conditions, the anti-graft court partially granted his motion for house arrest.
