Former Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan is still in the United States but promised to return to Manila on February 15 to face allegations of his involvement in the flood control project controversy, Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez said Friday.
“We know where he is. He’s not hiding. He’s in California now and he asked for permission if he can stay for another month because his wife has eye problems,” Romualdez told radio dzBB.
“He’s asking for until after February. He’ll be back there on the 15th,” he added.
Amid heightened scrutiny over the alleged actors in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal, Bonoan left for the US via Taiwan on November 11.
The ex-Public Works chief was among the 12 personalities summoned by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, headed by Lacson, to testify in a hearing on January 19.
The committee threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against Bonoan if he fails to appear. Citing information from sources, Lacson said Bonoan’s actions were allegedly intended to mislead the President.
But Lacson said Friday said that the subpoena issued against Bonoan will be taken back if his appeal to extend his stay in the United States for another month is validated.
The Blue Ribbon chair said that he will coordinate with the Department of Justice (DOJ) on the matter.
According to the Bureau of Immigration, Bonoan’s declared return date was December 17.
Romualdez, who said he spoke to Bonoan by phone, said the ex-secretary’s extended stay in the US was approved by the Philippine Department of Justice.
“He has to go directly to our Department of Justice. They will tell him if it’s okay to extend,” he said.
Bonoan’s name surfaced again after Senator Panfilo Lacson said the former Public Works chief allegedly submitted inaccurate data on flood control projects to confuse government inspections.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla later confirmed that Bonoan gave the wrong project coordinates to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., but Malacañang spokesperson Claire Castro said the Palace is still verifying these claims.
Romualdez said he offered aid to Bonoan as a former government official.
“We are prepared to help him if he needs assistance. Then he told me he’s not hiding and will definitely return to the Philippines. He told me he was given an extension. That’s my understanding,” Romualdez said.
