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Advocates Philippines
Bonoan To Become State Witness In Flood Control Probe
Photo credit: Congress PH
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan has agreed to become a state witness in the government's widening investigation into alleged irregularities involving flood control projects, a move the Office of the Ombudsman believes could strengthen its anti-corruption cases.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Monday that the Office of the Ombudsman has signed a cooperation agreement with Bonoan, paving the way for the former Cabinet official to testify against other individuals allegedly involved in the controversial projects.
Remulla said the anti-graft body will ask the court to discharge Bonoan as a respondent so he can formally serve as a state witness.
The Ombudsman said Bonoan's knowledge of the projects is considered crucial to the investigation and could help identify those responsible for the alleged anomalies.
Under Philippine law, a person may be allowed to become a state witness if a court approves the discharge and prosecutors determine that the individual's testimony is necessary to establish the case and cannot be easily replaced by other available evidence.
The development comes as the Office of the Ombudsman continues to intensify its investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects across the country. The agency earlier reported that 209 complaints are currently under fact-finding investigation, while several cases have advanced to preliminary investigation and four cases have already been filed before the courts.
Remulla has also emphasized that individuals seeking to become state witnesses must fully cooperate with investigators and disclose everything they know. He warned that anyone who withholds information risks losing any immunity that may be granted under the agreement.
Bonoan served as DPWH secretary during the Marcos administration before leaving office. His decision to cooperate marks one of the most significant developments in the government's ongoing flood control investigation, which the Ombudsman has identified as one of its top anti-corruption priorities.
Authorities said the probe aims to determine accountability for alleged irregularities in public infrastructure spending and ensure that those responsible are brought before the courts.
Investigators also expect additional cases to be filed as they continue reviewing documents and gathering evidence.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla announced on Monday that the Office of the Ombudsman has signed a cooperation agreement with Bonoan, paving the way for the former Cabinet official to testify against other individuals allegedly involved in the controversial projects.
Remulla said the anti-graft body will ask the court to discharge Bonoan as a respondent so he can formally serve as a state witness.
The Ombudsman said Bonoan's knowledge of the projects is considered crucial to the investigation and could help identify those responsible for the alleged anomalies.
Under Philippine law, a person may be allowed to become a state witness if a court approves the discharge and prosecutors determine that the individual's testimony is necessary to establish the case and cannot be easily replaced by other available evidence.
The development comes as the Office of the Ombudsman continues to intensify its investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects across the country. The agency earlier reported that 209 complaints are currently under fact-finding investigation, while several cases have advanced to preliminary investigation and four cases have already been filed before the courts.
Remulla has also emphasized that individuals seeking to become state witnesses must fully cooperate with investigators and disclose everything they know. He warned that anyone who withholds information risks losing any immunity that may be granted under the agreement.
Bonoan served as DPWH secretary during the Marcos administration before leaving office. His decision to cooperate marks one of the most significant developments in the government's ongoing flood control investigation, which the Ombudsman has identified as one of its top anti-corruption priorities.
Authorities said the probe aims to determine accountability for alleged irregularities in public infrastructure spending and ensure that those responsible are brought before the courts.
Investigators also expect additional cases to be filed as they continue reviewing documents and gathering evidence.
Jun 29, 2026
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