BI says ex-DPWH chief Bonoan yet to return to PH

Former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan has yet to return to the Philippines, even after his declared date of return has passed, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

Bonoan, who is covered by an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO), left for the United States (US) via Taiwan on November 11 to accompany his wife, who will undergo a medical procedure. His overseas travel was reported to last until December 17.

"Manuel Bonoan, who is the subject of an Immigration Lookout Bulletin (ILBO), departed the country on November 11, 2025, for the United States via Taiwan, allegedly to accompany his wife for a medical procedure," BI Spokesperson Dana Sandoval told GMA News Online on Thursday.

'Records show that he has not returned to the Philippines to date, despite indicating December 17, 2025, as his return date in his letter, through counsel, on November 10, 2025," she added.

GMA News Online has reached out to Bonoan for comment and will publish it as soon as it is available.

The DOJ issued an ILBO against Bonoan amid the probe into the alleged anomalous flood management projects in the country. This comes after the former DPWH Secretary stepped down from his post in August.

DOJ officials previously said that an ILBO directs immigration employees to inform law enforcement agencies regarding the whereabouts of the individuals named in the order. 

It, however, does not prevent any individual from leaving the country.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure earlier recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against Bonoan and other former DPWH officials over a P95 million flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan. –NB, GMA Integrated News