Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, linked to the flood control corruption scandal, has not returned to the Philippines despite an earlier commitment to end his US trip on December 17, authorities said.
“He was supposed to return to the country last December 17 but the information that we received from the Bureau of Immigration is that he has not yet complied with that commitment to return,” Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said Friday, December 19.
Bonoan left on November 11 to accompany his wife to the US for a medical procedure. He is under investigation for alleged involvement in anomalous flood control projects and kickback schemes.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) placed him under an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO), requiring coordination with immigration authorities for his travels.
Despite the ILBO, Bonoan was allowed to leave as there is no hold departure order or arrest warrant against him.
When asked about potential actions if Bonoan fails to return, Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida said legal remedies could be pursued should a warrant be issued or if Bonoan is later deemed a fugitive, including possible passport cancellation.
Bonoan has denied the corruption allegations.