MANILA — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan is prepared to testify against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez in the alleged flood control project anomaly after agreeing to become a state witness, as the Office of the Ombudsman said its case against the former House leader is “getting stronger by the day.”
The Ombudsman has moved to discharge Bonoan as an accused in the graft and plunder cases tied to the alleged flood control scam so he can testify for the prosecution. Officials believe his testimony could significantly bolster the government’s case against other personalities under investigation.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano said the preliminary investigation involving Romualdez continues to gather momentum.
“Yung kaso po ni former Speaker Martin Romualdez is getting stronger by the day,” Clavano said during a press briefing.
Romualdez has repeatedly denied allegations that he received kickbacks from flood control projects.
Clavano said the Ombudsman carefully considered Bonoan’s request to become a state witness, citing both legal and humanitarian grounds, including the former Cabinet official’s age and medical condition.
“It was a tough decision for the office to arrive at that na i-accept namin si former Secretary Manny Bonoan as a state witness,” Clavano said. “Kung na-convict s i former Secretary Manny Bonoan for 40 years, sa tingin n’yo po ba he will last until 120 years old sa loob ng kulungan? That was one consideration.”
Bonoan was scheduled for arraignment on Tuesday, but the proceedings were reset to July 28 while the court deliberates on the Ombudsman’s motion to discharge him as an accused and allow him to testify for the prosecution.
Malacañang, meanwhile, said it would not interfere with the Ombudsman’s handling of the case.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stressed that the Ombudsman is an independent constitutional body whose decisions should be respected as long as they are consistent with the law.
“Hindi po tayo nakikialam kung ano po ang magiging polisiya ng Ombudsman dahil alam naman po natin na ito ay isang independent body at hindi tayo manghihimasok kung ano po ang proseso na gagawin ng Ombudsman, provided na ito naman ho ay hindi labag sa batas,” Castro said.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla earlier described Bonoan’s testimony as vital in building cases against those allegedly responsible for irregularities in flood control projects.
Bonoan was initially charged with plunder alongside Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and several DPWH officials. He was arrested on June 1 over the non-bailable plunder charge but was later allowed to remain under house arrest after the Ombudsman partially granted his request based on his age and health condition. /PN
