Lawyer Ade Fajardo, counsel for former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, has raised concerns that former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan may be under significant pressure to implicate his client in the ongoing investigation into the multibillion-peso flood control controversy.
The alleged anomaly, which came to light in July 2025, remains under a fact-finding investigation by the Office of the Ombudsman. Fajardo questioned the timing of Bonoan’s possible testimony, particularly in light of the former Cabinet official’s current condition under hospital arrest.
Fajardo said:
“Nakakapagtaka kasi nga ngayon siyempre nasa hospital arrest (si Bonoan). May posibilidad na… ma-clear siya medically, siya ay ililipat sa regular na kulungan. Yan ay siyempre medyo maraming pressure sa utak niya.”
He also pointed to Bonoan’s age, suggesting it could add to the pressure surrounding the case.
“I think he’s more than 80 years old. Sabihin natin nasa takip silim siya sa kanyang pananatili sa ating mundo. Kaya medyo marami ng pressure sa utak ninyo.”
According to Fajardo, Bonoan’s reported move to become a state witness could be an attempt to fill what he described as an “evidentiary gap.” He said his legal team is cautious about testimony that may suddenly emerge against Romualdez.
“Bigla na lang parang nagkaroon ng perfect memory si Bonoan in case totoo nga yung balita na siya ay tetestigo para lamang ituro itong si dating Speaker Romualdez.”
Although he did not accuse anyone of influencing Bonoan, Fajardo said various circumstances could affect the former official’s decisions.
“Hindi namin alam yan as a fact. Pero siyempre bilang nag-iisip tayo lahat. Hindi malayong posibilidad na maraming factors pumapasok sa isip ni Bonoan.”
Fajardo maintained that Romualdez has no involvement in the alleged flood control anomaly and argued that authorities have yet to present evidence supporting the accusations.
“Wala talagang ebidensya kasi wala talagang kinalaman si dating Speaker dito sa flood control anomaly. Pag ganyan walang ebidensya pero madami nang sinasabi ang mga kinauukulan na malakas ang kaso, medyo ang dating sa amin yan ay bola yan. Kasi hanggang ngayon walang naisasampang kaso sa korte, walang criminal cases.”
He concluded by insisting that the case lacks sufficient proof to support any criminal action.
“Ibig sabihin, walang ebidensya o kakulangan ng ebidensya ay sobrang lawak na mahirap punan ng kwento-kwento lang.”
Last month, the Office of the Ombudsman confirmed that it had accepted Bonoan’s application to become a state witness, paving the way for him to potentially testify against Romualdez as the investigation continues.