Ex-DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan back in PH

Former Department of Public Works and Highways secretary Manuel Bonoan has returned to the Philippines, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said Sunday.

In a statement, the BI said Bonoan arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday morning via a China Airlines flight from Taipei.

BI added that the former DPWH secretary arrived without any reported travel companion.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado also said they promptly relayed the information to Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida, following current procedures.

Bonoan was placed on the BI’s Lookout Bulletin Order (LBO) following a Department of Justice (DOJ) directive to monitor his travels amid the ongoing investigation into alleged anomalous flood control projects.

However, an LBO does not prevent any individual from leaving the country.

Bonoan left the country for the US last November 2025, the BI earlier said.

The DOJ said Bonoan left the country to accompany his wife who was to undergo a medical procedure in the US.

On Thursday, the DOJ said Bonoan was unable to return to the Philippines on December 17, 2025, due to his wife’s health issues.

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. —KG, GMA Integrated News