MANILA, Philippines — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan has met with Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla as authorities continue building cases linked to the country’s massive flood control corruption investigation.
The meeting comes at a crucial time for Bonoan, who has emerged as a potential key witness in cases involving alleged irregularities in government flood control projects. The Office of the Ombudsman has been preparing his testimony as prosecutors move to ensure that the cases proceed without unnecessary delays.
Bonoan’s Role Takes a Dramatic Turn
Bonoan’s position in the investigation has undergone a significant transformation in recent weeks.
Earlier this month, the Sandiganbayan granted the prosecution’s request to discharge Bonoan as a co-accused in plunder and graft cases involving former Senator Jinggoy Estrada. The court said the decision on using an accused as a state witness falls within the Ombudsman’s prosecutorial discretion.
Ombudsman Remulla had also previously said that Bonoan would serve as a state witness in flood control corruption cases, potentially giving prosecutors access to testimony from one of the highest-ranking former officials connected to the DPWH during the period under investigation.
However, Bonoan’s legal situation remains complex.
Despite being discharged in one set of cases for possible use as a state witness, Bonoan entered a not guilty plea in a separate graft case involving an alleged flood control kickback scheme.
This means his potential cooperation with prosecutors does not automatically erase all of his legal exposure.
Why the Meeting With Remulla Matters
The meeting between Bonoan and the Ombudsman could prove important as investigators prepare testimony and evidence for upcoming proceedings.
According to recent reporting by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, the Office of the Ombudsman is working to prepare Bonoan’s testimony to support what officials described as the need for a continuous trial in the flood control cases.
If Bonoan formally testifies as a state witness, his account could potentially help prosecutors establish how decisions were made inside the DPWH and identify other individuals allegedly involved in anomalous flood control transactions.
Authorities have not publicly disclosed the full details of Bonoan’s discussions with Remulla or the specific information he may provide in court.
Flood Control Investigation Expands
The flood control scandal has become one of the Philippines’ biggest corruption investigations, drawing in former government officials, lawmakers, DPWH personnel and private contractors.
The investigation has already resulted in multiple criminal cases and court proceedings. Seven former officials of the DPWH-Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office recently pleaded not guilty in a P77-million malversation case involving an allegedly anomalous flood control project in Balagtas, Bulacan.
The Ombudsman’s office has also widened its scrutiny beyond individual projects. Earlier reports said lifestyle checks were being conducted on more than 100 officials as investigators examined possible links to questionable wealth and government transactions.
Meanwhile, additional case studies involving allegedly anomalous flood control projects have continued to be submitted to the Ombudsman, underscoring the expanding scope of the investigation.
High-Profile Cases Already Underway
The broader crackdown has already reached some of the country’s most prominent political figures.
Former House Speaker Martin Romualdez was arrested in connection with allegations involving kickbacks from flood control and other government projects. Prosecutors have alleged the misuse of billions of pesos, while Romualdez has denied wrongdoing.
Former Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co has also remained the subject of government efforts to locate and bring him back to the Philippines as authorities pursue cases connected to the broader investigation.
The Sandiganbayan has said it expects progress in resolving some of the flood control-related cases, although the growing number of investigations could mean further complaints and charges are still ahead.
What Happens Next?
For Bonoan, the stakes could not be higher.
His meeting with Ombudsman Remulla comes as prosecutors prepare evidence, witnesses and testimony in a corruption investigation that continues to expose alleged irregularities involving billions of pesos in public funds.
The biggest question now is what the former DPWH chief knows — and whether his testimony could lead investigators deeper into the network of officials, contractors and other individuals allegedly connected to questionable flood control projects.
As the cases move closer to trial, Bonoan’s testimony could become one of the most closely watched developments in the entire Philippine flood control scandal.
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