The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has removed former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan as a co-accused in a flood control case involving alleged plunder and graft.
The decision came after the Office of the Ombudsman asked the court to remove Bonoan from the case following his expressed willingness to cooperate with the investigation.
According to the Sandiganbayan, the Ombudsman, as the prosecutor, has the authority to determine who may be considered as a state witness to help strengthen the government’s case.
The Ombudsman said Bonoan’s testimony could be important in identifying the alleged system behind more than P500 million in kickbacks involving flood control projects.
Bonoan’s removal changes his status in the case, as he will no longer face the proceedings as a co-accused under the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division.
The case involves allegations of irregularities in flood control projects and an alleged kickback system involving more than P500 million.
The Ombudsman’s request was based on Bonoan’s willingness to cooperate with the investigation and provide information that could help authorities examine the alleged transactions.
The Sandiganbayan’s ruling allows the prosecution to proceed with Bonoan’s cooperation as part of its efforts to strengthen the case and investigate the alleged flood control project anomalies.
