Ex-DPWH chief Bonoan returns to Phl

After nearly two months in the United States, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan arrived in the Philippines on Sunday morning, a Bureau of Immigration (BI) official confirmed.

According to the BI, Bonoan arrived in the Philippines aboard China Airlines flight CI0701 from Taipei. His arrival was flagged due to an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO).

The Department of Justice (DOJ) ordered Bonoan placed under an ILBO in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged anomalous flood control projects in which he is implicated.

Last November, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) implicated Bonoan in a P95-million flood control project in Bulacan. The same commission also recommended the filing of an administrative case over a P72.4-million alleged ghost riverbank project in the province.

Bonoan left the country via Taiwan on 11 November 2025, amid the continuing probe into the flood control projects.

Reports said Bonoan traveled to the United States to accompany his wife, who was scheduled to undergo a medical procedure. He later reportedly requested an extension of his stay due to changes in the operation’s schedule.

Bonoan served as DPWH secretary from 2022 until his resignation on 1 September 2025.