Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Wednesday said there is still no update on the possible return to the Philippines of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan.
Remulla said authorities have not received any information indicating that Bonoan is heading back to the country.
“Wala pa (kaming balita). Hindi pa kami nag-uusap at wala kaming communication,” Remulla said in a radio interview. “Siyempre lahat 'yan. Wala naman sacred cows dito. Lahat talaga kung kamag-anak man, kung malakas man, kung kakampi man, kung kalaban man, lahat 'yan kasama sa pagtutugis,” he added.
Remulla said investigations into alleged irregularities involving government flood control projects are ongoing, stressing that no individual will be exempt from scrutiny.
Bonoan left the Philippines amid the probe into anomalous flood control projects. The Department of Justice earlier said Bonoan traveled to the United States to accompany his wife for a medical procedure.
“We confirm the earlier departure of former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan for the United States of America to accompany his wife for the latter’s medical procedure. Travel has been reported to be up until December 17, 2025,” the DOJ said.
In November 2025, the Bureau of Immigration confirmed that Bonoan departed for the United States via Taiwan without a hold departure order or warrant of arrest issued by the DOJ.
Bonoan resigned as DPWH secretary in August 2025 and is now covered by an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) earlier issued by the DOJ.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure in November 2025 recommended the filing of criminal and administrative charges against Bonoan and other former DPWH officials over a P95-million flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Bonoan has yet to return to the Philippines despite his earlier declaration that he would be back by 17 December 2025.