MANILA — Former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan will remain under strict hospital arrest instead of being detained in jail after the Sandiganbayan granted his request for medical confinement while he faces a non-bailable plunder charge involving alleged P573 million in kickbacks from government flood control projects.
In a resolution issued by the anti-graft court’s Fifth Division, Bonoan was ordered transferred to and confined at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital in Camp Crame, Quezon City, where he will remain under the custody and control of law enforcement authorities pending further medical evaluation.
Bonoan is among several individuals charged with plunder in connection with alleged irregularities and kickbacks linked to government flood control projects. The offense carries no recommended bail.
His lawyers told the court that Bonoan is currently confined in a private hospital after undergoing an angiogram procedure and is suffering from multiple health conditions, including diabetes and spinal ailments.
The Sandiganbayan said medical records and certifications submitted by Bonoan’s camp showed that he is in a fragile and immunocompromised condition that may not be adequately managed in ordinary detention facilities or nearby government hospitals.
“Accused Bonoan is allowed to be confined at the PNP (Philippine National Police) General Hospital in Camp Crame, Quezon City,” the anti-graft court said.
The court also directed the attending physician at the PNP General Hospital to conduct an independent medical assessment and submit findings regarding Bonoan’s condition.
“Pending the results of said independent examination, accused Bonoan shall remain under strict hospital arrest where he shall always remain under the effective control and custody of the Philippine National Police – Crime Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG),” the court said.
Under the order, Bonoan will continue receiving medical treatment while remaining under police guard. The Sandiganbayan further required authorities to submit medical progress reports every two weeks should extended confinement be necessary.
The court said Bonoan would be transferred to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas once doctors determine he is medically fit for discharge.
“As soon as the attending physician determines that it is safe to discharge accused Bonoan, the PNP-CIDG shall transfer him to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, Quezon City upon orders from the court,” the court said.
The plunder case forms part of a broader investigation into alleged anomalies involving flood control projects that has resulted in charges against several former public officials and private contractors./PN
