Former DPWH Sec. Manuel Bonoan. Photo courtesy of PNA/Avito Dalan.
Former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan walked out of police custody Friday as prosecutors moved to use him as a state witness in a flood control case involving an alleged Php 573.75 million in kickbacks.
The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division had earlier granted the prosecution’s request to remove Bonoan from the graft and plunder charges, clearing the way for his release while prosecutors pursued his possible testimony.
Bonoan left the Philippine National Police General Hospital at Camp Crame at around 10:35 a.m. after the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in Metro Manila turned him over to his family.
The anti-graft court ordered the hospital to release the former Cabinet official after recalling the commitment order that had kept him in custody.
Bonoan had stayed at the police hospital under hospital arrest because of several medical conditions following his surrender in June.
With Bonoan excluded from the charges, Sen. Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada and former Public Works officials Manny Bulusan, Arturo Gonzales Jr. and Denryl Caesar Cortuna remained accused in the case.
Prosecutors alleged that the four amassed a combined Php 573.75 million in kickbacks connected to public works projects included in the 2025 national budget.
Bonoan’s removal from the case formed part of the prosecution’s effort to present him as a state witness in proceedings linked to the flood control controversy. The remaining accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
