The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed that former Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel “Manny” Bonoan remains outside the Philippines, nearly a month after his pledged return in mid-December 2025.
Bonoan left the country on 11 November 2025 to accompany his wife to the United States for medical procedures. In a letter submitted through counsel on 10 November 2025, he indicated he would return by 17 December 2025. However, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) has since reported that he failed to return as declared, with no record of his re-entry at any Philippine port of entry as of Thursday.
During a recent press briefing, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla stated that the government has received no communication from Bonoan’s camp regarding a new return date.
A Malacañang official reiterated that while it would be beneficial for Bonoan to return to assist with investigations, the absence of a hold departure order (HDO) or arrest warrant means the government cannot legally bar him from traveling.
Bonoan is currently subject to an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) issued by the DOJ amid an ongoing probe into alleged anomalies in multi-billion-peso flood control projects implemented during his tenure. The ILBO allows authorities to monitor his movements but does not restrict travel.
The DOJ assured the public that agencies are monitoring his status and that international authorities would be alerted if necessary.
The former secretary’s extended stay comes as investigators from the Senate and the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) flag concerns over alleged “ghost” and substandard projects. Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson recently noted that Bonoan allegedly submitted incorrect grid coordinates that led to "bloated" project figures.
Senate officials have urged Bonoan’s cooperation, suggesting his testimony is pivotal for accountability. Government sources say that if formal charges are filed, prosecutors could seek an HDO or warrants to ensure his presence in the country.