PBBM: Command responsibility prompts Bonoan to quit

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. (PCO Photo)

By Darryl John Esguerra, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday said Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan stepped down due to “command responsibility” for alleged anomalies in multibillion-peso flood control projects, even as Malacañang moved to create an independent commission to probe deeper into the matter.

“He took responsibility. It was under his watch when all these things happened, when all these problems happened. Under the principle of command responsibility, he felt that he should leave his post,” Marcos told reporters in an interview in Pasay City.

The President has appointed former Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to replace Bonoan.

“He’s done a very good job sa (at the) DOTr,” Marcos said.

Dizon took his oath as DPWH Secretary before the President in Malacañang on Monday morning.

Malacañang also announced the creation of an independent commission to investigate alleged irregularities in DPWH’s multibillion-peso flood control projects.

The body is tasked to conduct a comprehensive review, identify anomalies, and recommend sanctions to restore public trust.

Marcos said they are now studying the composition of the body, which will be formalized through an executive order.

”We are putting together the EO that will create the independent commission.

The independent commission will be the investigative arm so that they will continue to investigate whatever information is received. It will be sent to them. They will investigate it.”

“They will recommend to the executive what to do to certain parties who have part of all of these corruption,” he added.

The President also stressed the need for the body to be composed of forensic investigators, lawyers, justices, and prosecutors who will look at the evidence and information at hand and “make the recommendation to either DOJ or the Ombudsman depending on who is found to be liable.”

He noted that anomalies were also discovered in the proposed 2026 national budget.

”Kasi unfortunately, the more we look, the more we find. Kahit sa 2026 budget, marami pa ring siningit. So, talagang it really needs to be cleaned out properly,” Marcos said.