Malacañang on Thursday said it is still verifying Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo “Ping” Lacson’s claim that former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan allegedly provided President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. with incorrect information on flood control projects.
“Sa ngayon po bine-verify pa rin po kung anong mga nasabi po ni Senator Lacson… kailangan po namin ma-verify lahat po ito,” Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said, signaling that the administration will not act on allegations without specifics.
Castro emphasized that while Marcos has already identified verified ghost projects and anomalies, the Palace cannot confirm general claims.
“Kung iba pa po at very general po yung sinasabi natin ngayon, hindi ko po mako-confirm,” she said.
“Ang gusto ng Pangulo ma-imbestigahan ang lahat ng sangkot,” Castro stressed, adding that anyone proven involved must face scrutiny.
Bonoan, the focus of the investigation, remains abroad and has not returned despite an indicated December 17, 2025, arrival, according to the Bureau of Immigration.
“Hindi ko po alam kung anong mga sinabi niya at kung anong pinangako niya… kailangan lang po siya talagang makabalik sa Pilipinas,” Castro said, noting that distance will not grant immunity.
“Kahit sila’y nasa ibang bansa, hahabulin pa rin sila ng batas ng Pilipinas,” she added, reaffirming that charges may be filed if evidence warrants.
The Marcos administration has vowed to pursue accountability amid public outrage over wasted funds and infrastructure failures in flood control projects.