MANILA — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Monday stressed that only the Office of the Ombudsman has the authority to decide whether former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan should be discharged as a state witness, distancing Malacañang from the legal process amid the government’s widening investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Speaking to reporters, Marcos said the decision lies entirely with Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, who has the discretion to determine the best course of action in pursuing the cases.
“Again, it’s up to the Ombudsman to decide on how to proceed with all of these investigations,” Marcos said.
The President said he has full confidence in the Ombudsman and would respect whatever judgment is reached regarding Bonoan’s possible role as a state witness.
“If he feels that the former Secretary Manny Bonoan will be helpful to the cases with the other people then again to use the word again — it is his prerogative. It is his decision. It is his judgment,” Marcos said.
Marcos’ statement came after Remulla disclosed that the Office of the Ombudsman is considering admitting Bonoan as a state witness, saying the former Cabinet official could provide “very important” testimony in building cases against individuals allegedly involved in irregularities in government flood control projects.
Bonoan is facing a non-bailable plunder charge over an alleged P573-million anomaly involving flood control funds.
The court earlier partially granted Bonoan’s request for house arrest in consideration of his advanced age and life-threatening medical conditions./PN
