Former DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan offers 'tell-all' in bid for state witness status

Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan has asked the Ombudsman to be made a state witness in the flood control projects anomaly probe in exchange for a “tell-all” account of the alleged scheme, according to copies of motions obtained exclusively by GMA News.

Bonoan is facing plunder and graft charges before two divisions of the Sandiganbayan in connection with the alleged P573-million kickback involving Jinggoy Estrada.

In a motion to amend the information signed on June 29 and filed before the court, the Ombudsman said it granted Bonoan’s request, citing his direct knowledge of the alleged scheme.

“Bonoan represented that his years as head of the DPWH afforded him direct knowledge of matters that may be relevant to the ongoing investigation involving flood control and other infrastructure projects,” the motion read.

The former DPWH chief also offered to identify high-ranking public officials allegedly involved in the anomalies.

“He conveyed his desire to place such information at the disposal of the Office and to assist in identifying higher-ranking public officials, private individuals, and the scheme involved in the alleged anomalies,” the motion said.

The Ombudsman also told the court that Bonoan cited his deteriorating health as one reason for cooperating.

“According to him, his advanced age and deteriorating health limit his ability to endure the demands of prolonged litigation and motivated his decision to come forward, tell all, and cooperate with the ongoing investigation while he remains physically capable of doing so,” the Ombudsman said.

The Ombudsman described Bonoan’s offer as a historic opportunity to uncover the alleged multi-billion-peso flood control scheme and fill crucial gaps in establishing how the corruption operated.

“Corruption of this scale does not arise spontaneously. The Office is already in possession of substantial evidence relating to project implementation and the alleged collection, transmission, and distribution of unlawful benefits," the motion read.

What remains significantly more difficult to establish are the decision-making processes at the highest level of government that may have enabled the scheme to materialize and operate with such scale, continuity, and efficacy,” it added.

The Ombudsman also said it would direct the Department of Justice to undertake measures to ensure Bonoan’s safety and security due to the nature of his expected testimony.

“In view of the nature of the information that Bonoan is expected to disclose, the level of authority of the individuals who may be implicated, and the potential risks attendant to his cooperation, the Office further finds it necessary to direct the Department of Justice to undertake such measures as may be necessary to ensure his safety, security, and protection,” it said.

Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano clarified that while the prosecution may recommend Bonoan’s discharge as an accused, the final decision rests with the court.

“Ultimately, it will be up to the court to do that. And if it doesn’t approve, then there’s nothing much we can do,” he said.

The Sandiganbayan’s Second and Fifth Divisions have ordered the parties to comment on the Ombudsman’s motions and reset Bonoan’s arraignment to July 14 and July 28, respectively.—MCG, GMA News