Former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan has denied any involvement in alleged anomalies tied to flood control projects, telling lawmakers he has nothing to do with the corruption claims.
Bonoan made the statement after being excused from the House Committee on Infrastructure hearing, where questions were raised about irregularities in the Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) budget.
In an interview following his release from the session, Bonoan said he can confidently declare he was never part of any scandal. When pressed if he could identify officials possibly involved in the alleged scheme, he responded that he could not, since he no longer serves as DPWH secretary.
He added that his resignation from the post was rooted in his principles of transparency and accountability, stressing that he stepped down to uphold those values.
Lawmakers allowed Bonoan to leave the hearing so he could attend the formal turnover of leadership at the DPWH.
Earlier during the hearing, Bonoan maintained he had no knowledge of how the proposed DPWH budget for 2025 grew after going through the bicameral conference committee. He reiterated he had no part in decisions that shaped the agency’s funding adjustments.
The House panel continues its inquiry into the reported flood control anomalies, which have drawn criticism amid mounting concerns about infrastructure spending. Bonoan’s testimony underscores the divide between current investigations and his tenure at the DPWH.
