Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel “Manny” Bonoan, implicated in an alleged anomalous Bulacan flood control project, has not yet returned to the Philippines.

Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon said that although Bonoan had committed to returning by 17 December, Bureau of Immigration (BI) records show he has not arrived.

Fadullon added that the DOJ received information from the BI indicating that Bonoan complied with his commitment to return. The former DPWH secretary reportedly traveled to the United States to accompany his wife for a surgical procedure.

While Bonoan’s exact whereabouts in the U.S. remain unconfirmed, the DOJ is coordinating with immigration authorities to trace his last reported location.

Acting Justice Secretary Frederrick Vida said the government’s hands are currently “tied” regarding Bonoan’s movements. He noted that Bonoan is not under a Hold Departure Order (HDO) and does not have an active warrant of arrest.

“The DOJ will act if a court issues a legal order, such as an arrest warrant. There are several legal mechanisms to compel a return,” Vida said.

Bonoan is implicated in the P72.3-million ‘ghost’ project in Bulacan, which involved a riverbank protection structure in Barangay Carillo, Hagonoy. The project was implemented by the DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office through Darcy & Anna Builders & Trading.

An Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) report, supported by findings from the Commission on Audit (COA), indicated a total lack of physical infrastructure at the site. The ICI report stated that COA’s technical inspection and available records clearly show the project was never implemented, despite full payment being released to the contractor by the DPWH.