MANILA — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan has returned to the Philippines amid an ongoing government probe into alleged flood control irregularities, the Bureau of Immigration confirmed Monday.
Immigration authorities said Bonoan arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on Sunday aboard a China Airlines flight from Taipei and was not accompanied by any travel companion upon arrival.
BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said the agency immediately notified Acting Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida of Bonoan’s return, in keeping with standard coordination procedures with the Department of Justice.
Bonoan had earlier been placed under a Lookout Bulletin Order (LBO) at the DOJ’s request, directing immigration authorities to monitor his movements in relation to an investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects. An LBO, however, does not prohibit a person from leaving or re-entering the country.
The former DPWH chief left the Philippines in November 2025 for the United States, which the DOJ said was to accompany his wife for medical treatment. Authorities previously disclosed that he was unable to return as scheduled in December due to his wife’s health condition.
Bonoan has been linked to a P95-million flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan, for which the Independent Commission for Infrastructure has recommended the filing of criminal and administrative cases against him and other former DPWH officials./PN
