PBBM leaves Bonoan state witness issue to Ombudsman, expresses confidence in probe

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. and former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan (PCO/File)

President Marcos said the decision on whether former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan would be accepted as a state witness in the government’s investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects rests solely with the Office of the Ombudsman.

Speaking to members of the Philippine media at the end of his official visit to Canada, Marcos said the Executive branch would not interfere in the Ombudsman’s evaluation of the matter.

“That’s really up to the Ombudsman,” the President said when asked whether Bonoan should be turned into a state witness.

“I have every confidence in the Ombudsman that they know what they’re doing, and they know what evidence they need, and they know how to proceed with this investigation,” he added.

Marcos stressed that the investigation should be allowed to proceed independently and based on evidence gathered by authorities.

The President has repeatedly described the alleged irregularities in flood control projects as among the most serious governance issues facing the administration, pointing to recurring flooding despite billions of pesos spent annually on mitigation infrastructure.

Marcos has ordered a comprehensive audit and review of flood control projects nationwide following the devastating effects of successive typhoons and monsoon rains that inundated several parts of the country.

The President has since directed concerned agencies to identify “ghost projects,” unfinished works, and substandard flood control structures, warning that officials and contractors found liable would face criminal and administrative charges.

The investigation has placed the spotlight on thousands of flood control projects implemented over the past several administrations, with authorities examining whether some projects existed only on paper or failed to meet engineering standards despite having been fully funded.

The issue has also affected government spending this year, with the administration adopting a more cautious approach in releasing infrastructure funds while ongoing reviews and investigations are being conducted.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro earlier said the government’s decision to carefully scrutinize flood control spending contributed to slower infrastructure disbursements in the first half of the year, which economic managers cited as one of the factors behind lower-than-expected economic growth.

During the same media briefing in Canada, Marcos reiterated that his administration remains determined to pursue those responsible for irregularities in flood control projects regardless of political affiliation or previous position in government. — Argyll Cyrus Geducos