Manuel Bonoan excused from Blue Ribbon flood control projects probe

The Senate blue ribbon committee on Monday morning granted the request of Manuel Bonoan to be excused from the hearing into the questionable flood control projects, following his resignation as secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways. 

Bonoan, who personally attended the second hearing, made a manifestation after panel chairperson Rodante Marcoleta asked him if he wanted to beg off to speak during the hearing, considering that his resignation as DPWH secretary had already been approved by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. 

“In view of this circumstance, Your Honor, that effective today, September 1, since I am no longer the secretary of Public Works and Highways and I don’t have the official capacity to represent the department, that I may be excused on the proceedings at this point in time,” Bonoan said. 

Marcoleta agreed to Bonoan’s request, but asked the latter if he deputized somebody who will represent the DPWH amid the Senate inquiry. 

“Your Honor, the people that had been invited from the Department are all here,” Bonoan answered. 

On Sunday, Malacañang announced the resignation of Bonoan from the top DPWH post. Replacing him is Vince Dizon, who previously served the Department of Transportation as secretary.  

Marcos on Monday said he accepted the resignation of Bonoan due to command responsibility. —AOL, GMA Integrated News