Ex-DPWH Secretary Bonoan Braces for Intense Senate Scrutiny Over Alleged Faulty Grid Coordinates
The upcoming Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing is poised to intensify its focus on former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who is expected to face rigorous questioning over alleged erroneous grid coordinates provided to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.. This development follows revelations that the coordinates, intended to guide the Sumbong sa Pangulo website, may have been deliberately inaccurate, raising serious concerns about transparency and accountability in government projects.
Senate Probes Intent Behind Inaccurate Data
According to Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson, the committee plans to delve deeper into whether the DPWH intentionally supplied misleading information to the president. Lacson emphasized that since Bonoan is now in the Philippines, it is appropriate for him to explain the discrepancies, as he was still serving as secretary when the data was submitted. The senator issued a stern warning, stating he would not hesitate to hold Bonoan in contempt and potentially detain him if he evades questions or fails to provide satisfactory answers during the hearing.
Pattern of Errors in Flood Control Projects
Lacson highlighted testimonies from Public Works Undersecretaries Arthur Bisnar and Ricardo Bernabe III, which revealed a clear pattern of incorrect locations for questionable flood control projects. He noted that there remains a high likelihood that the erroneous coordinates were provided deliberately, especially given that up to 86% of initially reviewed projects contained flawed data. This pattern suggests systemic issues within the department's reporting mechanisms.
Potential Motives and Legal Implications
The senator speculated that the intent behind the inaccurate data might extend beyond discrediting the Sumbong sa Pangulo website. It could also be an attempt to obstruct the tracking of these projects and hinder legal proceedings related to defective infrastructure. Lacson cited a case where data from the website was used as evidence, indicating that the defense panel might challenge the credibility of the platform by pointing out its inconsistent information. This raises broader questions about the integrity of government oversight tools.
Awaiting Next Hearing Amid Congressional Session
Currently, no specific date has been set for the next hearing on the flood control scandal, as Congress is scheduled to resume its session next week. The delay adds to the anticipation surrounding Bonoan's testimony and the committee's efforts to uncover the truth behind the alleged data manipulation. Stakeholders and the public are closely monitoring these developments, which could have significant implications for accountability in public works projects.
