Ex-DPWH chief Bonoan stable, doctors await results for transfer to PNPGH

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan is now in stable condition, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday.

However, doctors are still waiting for the results of several medical examinations before determining whether he can be transferred to the PNP General Hospital (PNPGH) from Medical City.

“Meron pa yung mga diagnostic procedure na hindi pa lumalabas yung result para malaman natin kung ano talaga yung status po ng pasyente. But as of now, stable po siya. Sir, possible tonight,” PNPGH chief Police Colonel Cleto Manongas said at a press briefing.

(There are still diagnostic procedures that the results have not yet come out so we can know what the patient's status is. But as of now, he is stable. Sir, possible tonight.)

“Hopefully, kapag lumabas yung mga result ng diagnostic procedure at makita na siya ng attending physician niya, doon natin malalaman kung pwede na siya i-transfer,” he added.

(Hopefully, when the results of the diagnostic procedure come out and his attending physician sees him, we will know if he can be transferred.)

Doctors are waiting for the results of a two-dimensional echocardiogram and an angiogram before deciding on the next course of treatment and whether he can be moved to the hospital at Camp Crame.

Manongas explained that PNPGH is a Level 2 hospital and can perform some cardiac diagnostic procedures, including a 2D echocardiogram.

However, more specialized tests such as an angiogram are typically conducted at Level 3 hospitals such as Medical City.

Bonoan was initially evaluated for hypertension, but subsequent examinations revealed other medical conditions.

He said the former Cabinet official did not submit prior medical records to PNPGH, prompting doctors to conduct additional tests.

While he declined to provide specific details, Manongas said some cardiac-related laboratory markers were elevated, prompting further studies to determine the source of the abnormalities.

Manongas also acknowledged that stress could aggravate existing medical conditions.

He also said that it is too early to determine whether Bonoan is fit to attend court proceedings and physicians must first complete all medical assessments.

If Bonoan is eventually transferred to PNPGH, hospital personnel have already prepared a room, monitoring equipment, and medical staff for his care.

Bonoan’s blood pressure had normalized and was recorded at 120 systolic pressure over 70 diastolic pressure.

If Bonoan’s condition requires prolonged confinement in a tertiary hospital, Manongas said PNPGH may submit recommendations through proper channels.

But any decision would still depend on higher authorities and relevant court orders, he added.

Bonoan voluntarily appeared before the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) office on June 1 after a court issued an arrest warrant in connection with the P573‑million plunder and graft charges.

After a proceeding at the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday afternoon, Bonoan returned to the PNPGH and later transferred to Medical City after suffering from hypertension and possible acute coronary syndrome.

Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division on Friday granted Bonoan’s appeal for hospital arrest at the PNPGH. — BAP, GMA News