Justice officials said they are reviewing possible legal steps should former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan continue to stay outside the Philippines beyond the date he previously indicated, amid an ongoing probe into alleged irregularities in flood control projects.
Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida told reporters that authorities could pursue available remedies if circumstances change, particularly if a warrant of arrest is issued or if Bonoan is eventually classified as a fugitive. Among the measures that could be considered, he said, is the cancellation of a Philippine passport, depending on developments in the case.
The discussion followed confirmation from prosecutors that Bonoan has not yet re-entered the country. Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said immigration records do not show his return despite an earlier assurance that his travel would conclude mid-December. “He was supposed to return to the country last December 17 but the information that we received from the Bureau of Immigration is that he has not yet complied with that commitment to return,” Fadullon said during a press briefing on Friday, Dec. 19.
Bonoan left the Philippines on Nov. 11, citing the need to accompany his wife to the United States for a medical procedure. At the time of his departure, he was already among several officials under investigation for alleged participation in questionable flood control projects and supposed kickback arrangements.
The Department of Justice earlier placed Bonoan under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order, a mechanism that requires immigration authorities to alert and coordinate with the DOJ regarding an individual’s travel movements. However, officials clarified that the bulletin order does not automatically prohibit travel.
Because there was no hold departure order or arrest warrant issued against him, immigration authorities allowed Bonoan to leave the country, in line with existing procedures.
Bonoan has publicly rejected the accusations linking him to corruption in flood control projects.
