Former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan left the Philippines for the United States of America on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Bureau of Immigration (BI).
This is what BI Spokesperson Dana Sandoval answered when asked if Bonoan already flew out of the country.
‘We confirm that former Secretary Manny Bonoan departed this afternoon for the United States via Taiwan,’ Sandoval told Inquirer in a Viber message.
Sandoval said that Bonoan is covered by an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) earlier issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ). BI Commissioner Joel Viado earlier clarified that ILBO is issued for authorities to monitor travel activities, and is different from a hold departure order, which bars an individual from leaving the country.
‘Upon encounter, immigration officers immediately coordinated with the DOJ to verify if a hold departure order or warrant of arrest was in effect. The DOJ confirmed that none exists. Hence, he was cleared to depart,’ Sandoval added.
Bonoan is one of former government officials implicated in the alleged corruption in government infrastructure works, including flood control projects. The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) recently found Bonoan liable for a ‘ghost’ flood control project in Bulacan worth P95.04 million.
He is facing an administrative case recommended by the ICI over a P72.4-million ‘ghost’ riverbank project in the same province.