Ex-DPWH chief Bonoan still in US, promised to return Feb. 15 —envoy

Philippine Ambassador to Washington Jose Manuel Romualdez on Friday said former Public Works secretary Manuel Bonoan is still in the United States and promised to return to Manila on February 15 to face the allegations on his supposed role in multi-billion peso flood control irregularities.

"We know where he is. He's not hiding. He's in California now and he asked for permission if he can stay for another month because his wife has eye problems," Romualdez told Super Radyo dzBB radio.

"He's asking for until after February. He'll be back there on the 15th," he added. 

Romualdez, who spoke to Bonoan by phone, said his extended stay in the US was approved by the Philippine Department of Justice.

"He has to go directly to our Department of Justice. They will tell him if it's okay to extend," he said.

Romualdez also said he offered assistance to Bonoan as a former government official.

"We are prepared to help him if he needs assistance. Then he told me he's not hiding and will definitely return to the Philippines. He told me he was given an extension. That's my understanding," Romualdez said.

Bonoan left for the United States via Taiwan on November 11. According to the Bureau of Immigration, Bonoan's declared return date was December 17.

The former Public Works chief was among the personalities summoned by the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee to testify in a hearing on January 19. The committee threatened to issue a warrant of arrest against the official if he fails to appear in the hearing.

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson accused Bonoan of deliberately submitting incorrect grid coordinates for thousands of flood control projects nationwide.

Citing information from sources, Lacson, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said Bonoan's actions were allegedly intended to mislead President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.

Romualdez said he does not know if Bonoan is aware that he is being summoned by the Senate, but noted that if there's a subpoena, "we'll ask our consulate to serve it to him."

Since the flood control anomalies came under intense spotlight and various investigations, including by Congress and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure, several engineers and officials, former and incumbent, of the Department of Public Works and Highways and owners of construction companies have been indicted on corruption and malversation charges and detained for trial. 

Several anti-corruption groups and Roman Catholic church leaders, however, have expressed frustration that influential members of the House and Senate, who have been implicated in the anomalies, have continued to evade indictments and detention although Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has hinted that influential politicians may soon face indictment. — AOL/ VDV, GMA Integrated News