Ex-DPWH chief Bonoan to return to PH? DILG’s Remulla says no communication yet

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Wednesday there is still no update on the possible return of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan to the Philippines.

According to Remulla, the DILG has not received any information indicating that Bonoan is going back to the Philippines.

“Wala pa (kaming balita). Hindi pa kami nag-uusap at wala kaming communication,” Remulla told GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita in an interview.

(We don’t have any news yet. We haven’t talked yet and we have no communication.)

Remulla said the investigations related to alleged irregularities in government’s flood control projects are ongoing, noting that no one will be exempted from the probe.

“Siyempre lahat 'yan. Wala naman sacred cows dito. Lahat talaga kung kamag-anak man, kung malakas man, kung kakampi man, kung kalaban man, lahat 'yan kasama sa pagtutugis,” he said.

(Of course, all of them. There are no sacred cows here. Everyone, whether they're relatives, whether they're powerful, whether they're allies, whether they're enemies, they're all included in the pursuit.)

In November 2025,  Bureau of Immigration spokesperson Dana Sandoval confirmed that Bonoan had left the Philippines amid the investigation into anomalous flood control projects.

"We confirm that former secretary Manny Bonoan departed this afternoon for the United States via Taiwan,” Sandoval earlier said.

“Upon encounter, immigration officers immediately coordinated with the DOJ (Department of Justice) to verify if a hold departure order or warrant of arrest was in effect. The DOJ confirmed that none exists, hence he was cleared to depart,” she added.

The Department of Justice earlier said Bonoan left the country to accompany his wife who will undergo a medical procedure in the US.

"We confirm the earlier departure of former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan for the United States of America to accompany his wife for the latter’s medical procedure. Travel has been reported to be up until December 17, 2025,” the DOJ said.

“Currently, there exists no legal prohibition to Bonoan’s constitutional right to travel,” it added.

Bonoan, who resigned as DPWH secretary in August 2025, is covered by an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) earlier issued by the DOJ.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure in November 2025 has 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

According to the BI, Bonoan has yet to return to the Philippines even after his declared date of return on December 17, 2025.—AOL, GMA Integrated News