Bonoan suspends applications for DPWH personnel’s personal plans to travel abroad

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan on Friday ordered the suspension of applications for authority to travel abroad for Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) personnel amid ongoing investigations into alleged anomalous flood control projects.

In a Memorandum to all DPWH officials and employees, dated August 29, Bonoan said “all applications for Authority to Travel abroad for Personal Reasons are hereby temporarily suspended…” until the end of November 2025 or “unless circumstances warrant earlier lifting of the suspension or further extension.”

The DPWH chief said the directive was “in light of the ongoing validation of DPWH projects and in line with our commitment to transparency, accountability, and public service integrity.”

Personal travel for urgent medical reasons, however, are exempted from the overseas vacation leave applications suspension.

Bonoan has also formed an Anti-Corruption Task Force within the DPWH to encourage the public to report questionable projects of the agency.

The Public Works chief believes Marcos still has confidence in him, as the President had ordered to fast-track the investigations into allegedly anomalous flood control projects.

Bonoan also expressed willingness to open or release his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth (SALN) following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s order to conduct a lifestyle check on government officials. — BAP, GMA Integrated News