Ombudsman Accepts Former DPWH Secretary as State Witness, Drops Charges Against Him

The Office of the Ombudsman on June 30 accepted former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan as a state witness in its flood-control corruption investigation. Rappler reported that the decision aims to bolster the case against former Speaker Martin Romualdez. Deputy Ombudsman Mico Clavano said Bonoan approached the office with a letter sent about three weeks earlier offering cooperation.

Bonoan indicated he could describe budget insertions through the DPWH for favored projects and contractors, Clavano stated. The Ombudsman had filed plunder and graft charges against Bonoan with the Sandiganbayan on May 28. Bonoan surrendered to authorities on June 1 and was hospitalized the same day for hypertension, after which the Sandiganbayan placed him under hospital arrest.

Clavano described the choice to drop Bonoan as a defendant as a hard decision but noted his age and illnesses weighed against a potential 40-year sentence. Bonoan was physically present in meetings with congressmen and other Cabinet secretaries regarding the budget, Clavano added.

Senator Panfilo Lacson stated in a September 15, 2025 privilege speech that the DPWH awarded P2.5 billion in projects to the business partner of Bonoan’s daughter while Bonoan served as secretary.

The cases involve alleged kickbacks from projects funded by illegal budget insertions, Rappler reported.