On the same day, the former cabinet official was discharged from the PNP General Hospital, where he had been detained since June due to needing treatment for various medical conditions.
While visibly more upbeat compared to his prior appearances before the Sandiganbayan, Bonoan informed the court that he was still actively taking medication.
Notably, Bonoan was excluded from the Fifth Division after state prosecutors filed a motion to amend the information, seeking to use him as a witness in flood-control cases.
The same pleading was denied at the Second Division, as justices pointed out that Estrada’s rights may be prejudiced because he was arraigned on the original information.
Under Section 14, Rule 110 of the Rules of Court, the prosecution could not submit a “substantial” amendment to the information or complaint once a particular respondent was arraigned.
Despite the denial, Bonoan was still afforded provisional liberty through posting a bail worth P90,000 for graft.
Estrada, on the other hand, remains detained at the New Quezon City Jail-Male Dormitory because plunder is non-bailable.
He said in a statement on Wednesday, 2 September, that he would be exploring all legal remedies available to him given the exclusion of Bonoan.
The case against the senator alleged that he received P573 million in infrastructure kickbacks from 2024 to 2025, when he was also a sitting senator and Bonoan was the secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Estrada has repeatedly denied the accusations.
Bonoan release ordered
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it will ensure the prompt implementation of the Sandiganbayan’s order directing the release of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel “Manny” Bonoan once all required legal verification and documentation are completed.
PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. on Friday said the organization respects the anti-graft court’s ruling and directed concerned units to follow proper legal procedures in implementing the order.
This aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla to uphold the rule of law and ensure proper implementation of lawful orders while maintaining due process in police operations.
