Manila, Philippines — Following the issue on the alleged anomalies in flood control projects as well as the corruption scheme tied with the Department of Public Works and Highways, Manuel Bonoan resigned from his post as the agency’s secretary.
Amid his resignation, Bonoan was not able to escape from being implicated in the mess given his supposed command responsibility and alleged negligence paving the way for systematic corruption.
This is still aside from allegedly giving President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. wrong coordinates of the ghost and substandard flood control projects in the country.
And amidst the continuing investigation, Bonoan is among the individuals facing graft and plunder charges over alleged anomalies.
Following the issuance of the arrest order, Bonoan surrendered to the Philippine National Police – Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, but was soon rushed to the hospital due to hypertension.
He was confined overnight, but was discharged on June 2 after his condition stabilized. On the same day, he appeared at the Sandiganbayan in a wheelchair for his arraignment.
With his age and existing medical conditions, Bonoan appealed for a hospital arrest instead.
He is currently confined in a hospital at Makati City for a medical procedure, and was not able to attend yesterday’s arraignment for the graft charges.
In a Thursday resolution, the Sandiganbayan allowed Bonoan to be placed in a hospital arrest.
The resolution noted that Bonoan has submitted medical certifications and records that support the treatment that he needs, which cannot be provided in regular jail facilities.
Rather than his current hospital, the ani-graft body allowed Bonoan’s confinement in PNP General Hospital sa Camp Crame.
It added that Bonoan will stay in strict confinement and PNP custody as soon as his independent examinations become stable.
“As soon as the attending physician determines that it is safe to discharge accused Bonoan, the PNP-CIDG shall transfer him to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, Quezon City upon orders from the court,” Sandiganbayan said.
Another arrest warrant against Bonoan and other suspected individuals was issued by the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division for graft charges.—Mia Layaguin, Eurotv News