Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Thursday that former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan remains in the United States beyond the period allowed under his visa based on current information.
Remulla said US immigration authorities have the power to determine whether Bonoan’s stay has become unauthorized and may order his removal if violations are found.
“He is in America and is already overstaying… they can already send him home or deport him,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has demanded that the lawyer of former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan provide details on his whereabouts in the United States, after he failed to return to the Philippines in December.
“Before Christmas, Secretary Bonoan’s lawyer emailed me informing me that he would not be able to return as earlier promised because there was some issue with his wife’s operation,” Justice Secretary Frederick Vida said.
“What I did was, okay, I took note of what you said. But first, give me information about when he will return, and secondly, I need information on your relatives that you are keeping in the US and where,” he added.
According to Remulla, the deportation process would fall solely under US jurisdiction and will not require a separate request from Philippine officials.
Meanwhile, Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson said Bonoan is among the personalities expected to appear before the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee during its January 19 hearing.
Lacson said the committee may cite Bonoan in contempt and issue a warrant of legislative arrest should he again fail to attend the proceedings.
“His stay will expire; he cannot stay there forever. The longest stay in the US is six months. If he goes beyond that, his stay becomes unauthorized, and if not extradition, deportation will happen,” he explained.
The veteran lawmaker added that the Senate panel is prepared to coordinate with Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Babe Romualdez to facilitate cooperation with US authorities if deportation becomes necessary.
Bonoan, who is being investigated in connection with alleged anomalies in flood control projects, was originally set to return to the country by December 17, 2025.
Vida said Bonoan’s camp has yet to respond to his requests.
Earlier, the DOJ said it is monitoring Bonoan’s travel, as he is under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO).
“Being under the ILBO means that there is real-time monitoring and reporting of all his movements. The DOJ and the government are closely monitoring Mr. Bonoan’s every move. Whether he is in the United States, has moved to another country, or has traveled within the US, his passport will necessarily be stamped,” Justice Department spokesperson Polo Martinez said.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline: “DOJ demands Bonoan’s whereabouts from lawyer”
