The government is looking forward to the deportation from the United States of former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla on Thursday said that if it is determined that Bonoan has overstayed his visa, the US State Department may order his deportation following his more than two-month stay since 11 November last year.
“He is in America and is already overstaying. If the US Embassy or the US State Department determines that Bonoan is overstaying, they can send him home or deport him,” Remulla said.
On Wednesday, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla said there was no update on the return of the controversial official.
Bonoan left the country reportedly to accompany his wife who was to undergo a medical procedure in the US.
Raps filed today
Bonoan resigned his post in August 2025 and was covered by an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) issued by the Department of Justice.
According to the Bureau of Immigration, Bonoan had said he was returning on 17 December.
In November, the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) implicated Bonoan in an anomalous flood control project in Bulacan worth P95 million.
The ICI also recommended administrative charges in connection with a P72.4-million “ghost” riverbank project in Bulacan.
A new batch of criminal charges against individuals linked to anomalies in the flood control mess will be filed with the Sandiganbayan on Friday.
“We are filing a case before the Sandiganbayan. This will go on and on,” Remulla said.
The Ombudsman declined to provide additional details on the case, which could reach the anti-graft court before the end of the week.
“Evidence is our priority here. We are not going for probable cause. We want a reasonable certainty of conviction,” Remulla added.
Romualdez being probed
Meanwhile, Remulla said they are “deep” into the investigation of former Speaker Martin Romualdez.
“We’re deeply into the investigation of former Speaker Martin Romualdez, and he’ll get more news about it next week,” Remulla said.
No evading accountability
Bonoan, who had committed to return to the country by 17 December last year, is one of several individuals who remain abroad amid the allegations against them.
Palace Undersecretary Claire Castro said that being outside the country does not absolve anyone of responsibility, particularly when there is substantial evidence supporting the accusations.
She also addressed concerns about whether Cabinet members or former officials accused of wrongdoing are required to face investigations.