Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson on Wednesday accused former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan of deliberately submitting false data to Malacañang on alleged ghost flood control projects, possibly to weaken or discredit the government’s investigation.
Speaking at Kapihan sa Senado, Lacson said he received “very reliable information” that Bonoan provided incorrect grid coordinates for thousands of flood control projects nationwide — data later uploaded to the Sumbong sa Pangulo website.
Lacson said the faulty coordinates resulted in major discrepancies, including 421 supposed ghost projects that conflicted with sites previously inspected and reported by the DPWH itself. He added that the department is now scrambling to correct the records by cross-checking them with intact systems such as the Multi-Year Planning and Scheduling (MYPS) system and the Project and Contract Management Application (PCMA).
“Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan deliberately submitted incorrect grid coordinates of thousands of flood control projects,” Lacson said, calling the move evidence of complicity in a cover-up despite Bonoan’s claim that he was not a “principal player.”
Lacson said the alleged data manipulation may have been meant to mislead Malacañang and erode public confidence in the probe, especially if some projects flagged as ghost projects turn out to be incorrectly listed.
He also cited Bonoan’s earlier denial of at least one alleged ghost project in Mindoro, noting that the grid coordinates questioned by Bonoan were the same ones he allegedly supplied.
“He didn’t know that we used different sources in identifying ghost flood control projects in my privilege speeches,” Lacson said.
Subpoena, possible arrest
Lacson said the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, which he chairs, will subpoena key DPWH documents, including records left by the late Undersecretary Catalina Cabral. Current DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon has committed to sending two undersecretaries to testify and submit relevant records.
Bonoan will be among those subpoenaed, Lacson said, warning that failure to appear could result in a contempt citation and a legislative arrest warrant.
If needed, the committee may coordinate with Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose “Babe” Romualdez to work with US authorities for Bonoan’s deportation, noting that his stay abroad is time-limited.
Other angles
Lacson said the committee will also clarify with former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo a reported attempt by former PNP chief and now MMDA general manager Nicolas Torre III to place him under custody before a previous Senate hearing.
In addition, the panel will seek clarification from the so-called “BGC Boys” following reports that they have recanted — or plan to recant — their testimonies.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on the flood control scandal resumes on Monday, 19 January.