Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan on Friday firmly rejected allegations tying him to a multibillion-peso kickback scheme in flood control projects, branding the claims as “entirely fictitious” and an attack on his decades-long service in government.
The accusations were made by former DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, who testified before the Senate on November 14 that Bonoan supposedly ordered him to channel ₱5 billion worth of DPWH projects annually since 2022 and that they received shares through a 15% “commitment.” Former Undersecretary Cathy Cabral was also implicated.
Bonoan dismissed the testimonies as fabricated.
“I have never, at any time, discussed or initiated—either personally or through any other entity—any monetary consideration or favor connected to these projects,” he said, calling the alleged arrangement “totally baseless” and insisting it “never occurred.”
He stressed that he had “consistently upheld the highest standards of professionalism, integrity, transparency, righteousness, and a deep reverence for God,” expressing confidence that his long record would “prevail over any unfounded attempts to malign my name.”
Bonoan likewise refuted claims that he provided Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste with a classified list of DPWH projects or influenced district budget allocations. While he confirmed meeting Leviste once—alongside Senator Loren Legarda and Uswag Ilonggo Representative Jojo Ang—he said the conversation dealt only with formula-based allocations. Lawmakers reportedly inquired about adding ₱2 billion to their districts’ budgets, which Bonoan said he could not alter.
“I explained that the formula was already agreed upon… starting from the first DPWH infrastructure budget under the Marcos administration for 2023 and was carried on… until 2026,” he said. “Hence, I deny all allegations made by Leandro Leviste against me.”
Bonoan stepped down in September under “command responsibility” amid ongoing probes into alleged corruption in flood control projects.