Malacañang on Tuesday expressed confidence in former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan, saying President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. believes he will remain truthful as the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee intensifies its probe into alleged infrastructure irregularities.
Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said the administration was relying on the legal weight of the Senate inquiry, where testimonies are delivered under oath, to ensure Bonoan’s honesty.
“Naniniwala po ang Pangulo na si dating Secretary Manny Bonoan ay magsasabi ng katotohanan,” Castro told reporters, stressing that the former DPWH chief understands the consequences of lying before lawmakers.
Her remarks came amid speculation that Bonoan’s account could shift in future hearings, a concern raised after past cases where witnesses initially defended officials but later reversed their statements.
Castro dismissed such doubts, emphasizing that Senate hearings are formal proceedings with legal repercussions, not casual interviews.
The investigation, led by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, is part of the chamber’s oversight function.
The Blue Ribbon Committee is examining possible misuse of public funds in large-scale infrastructure projects, often involving billions of pesos and multiple layers of approval.