Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan has left the Philippines, Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed on Tuesday.
“We confirm that former Secretary Manny Bonoan departed this afternoon for the United States via Taiwan,” Sandoval told GMA News Online in a Viber message.
“Upon encounter, immigration officers immediately coordinated with the DOJ (Department of Justice) to verify if a hold departure order or warrant of arrest was in effect. The DOJ confirmed that none exists, hence he was cleared to depart,” she added.
In a separate statement, the DOJ said Bonoan left the country to accompany his wife who will undergo a medical procedure in the US.
“We confirm the earlier departure of former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan for the United States of America to accompany his wife for the latter’s medical procedure. Travel has been reported to be up until December 17, 2025,” the DOJ said.
“Currently, there exists no legal prohibition to Bonoan’s constitutional right to travel,” it added.
Bonoan is covered by an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) earlier issued by the DOJ.
In August, Bonoan resigned as DPWH secretary amid the probe into the alleged anomalous flood control projects in the country.
Earlier this month, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against Bonoan and other former DPWH officials over a P95 million flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan. — JMA, GMA Integrated News
