Marcos still trusts Bonoan's leadership in DPWH — Palace

Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan still enjoys the trust and confidence of President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. despite issues hounding the flood control projects, Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said Tuesday. 

''Nananatili pa rin po ang tiwala kay Secretary Bonoan,'' Castro said at a briefing.

(The trust with Secretary Bonoan remains.)

Earlier, Bacolod Lone District Representative Albee Benitez called on Bonoan to take a leave of absence amid the ongoing probe into the failed flood control projects. 

Bonoan had responded that he is ready to do so if necessary.

Asked if the President sees no reason to ask Bonoan and concerned department officials to recuse from the ongoing probe of the flood control projects, Castro said the DPWH would not investigate but it will only provide pertinent documents as to the matter. 

''Hindi naman po siya kasama sa pagiimbestiga pero kinakailangan lang po kasi natin 'yung mga records na magmumula sa DPWH,'' Castro said. 

(He is not included in the investigation but we need the records from the DPWH.)

Flood control projects

On Monday, Marcos disclosed that the total cost of flood control projects from July 2022 to May 2025 amounted to P545 billion. He added that at least 15 contractors were awarded with most flood control projects. 

Marcos, however, refused to specify personalities involved in these projects amid the ongoing investigation. 

Asked what the President intends to accomplish with the disclosure of the 15 contractors, Castro said Marcos wants to know the reason why they were awarded with most of the flood control projects.

''Dahil sila po 'yung pinakaraming projects so tingnan po natin kung ano ba 'yung mga naging proyekto, sino ba 'yung kumausap sa kanila, mga magaganda ba 'yung naging trabaho nila, bakit parang sila lagi ang namamayagpag so 'yun po ang dapat kaya po 'yan nirelease ng ating Pangulo,'' Castro said. 

(Because they are the ones who acquired most of the projects, who did they talk to, why they acquired most of the projects... those were the reasons so the President identified them.) 

She also ensured that the President will disclose or specify those involved once the probe is finished. 

''Kapag natapos na po ang imbestigasyon,'' Castro said.

(Once the investigation is finished.) 

Earlier, lawmakers have expressed that they want names and accountability over the anomalous flood control projects. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News