Sandiganbayan orders release of ex-DPWH chief Bonoan after removal from flood control cases

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 04, 2026

Photo courtesy: Philippine News Agency

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has ordered the release of former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan from hospital detention after he was removed as an accused in plunder and graft cases linked to the government’s flood control controversy.

The anti-graft court’s Fifth Division directed the Philippine National Police General Hospital in Camp Crame to release Bonoan after recalling the commitment orders issued against him.

Bonoan had been under hospital arrest since June in connection with cases involving an alleged P573 million in kickbacks from flood control projects.

The court earlier granted the prosecution’s request to amend the charges and exclude Bonoan as a co-accused in the cases involving Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former DPWH officials. The Ombudsman had sought Bonoan’s exclusion so he could testify for the government in other cases stemming from the flood control investigation.

The court also recalled warrants and restrictions previously issued against the former DPWH chief in the cases.

However, Bonoan was not immediately released Thursday night as the PNP’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said it still needed to check whether he had any other outstanding warrant or lawful reason to remain in custody.

The PNP said Bonoan was clinically stable at the PNP General Hospital and was receiving maintenance medication while awaiting completion of the records check.

Bonoan still faces a separate graft case before the Sandiganbayan Second Division, but he has already posted P90,000 bail in that case.

The former public works secretary surrendered to authorities on June 1 following the issuance of an arrest warrant over the flood control cases. He was later placed under hospital arrest because of medical concerns.

The flood control investigation has led to cases against several former and incumbent officials over allegations of kickbacks and irregularities involving government infrastructure projects.