The Department of Justice (DOJ) confirmed on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, that it is actively monitoring the movements of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who is currently in the United States while an investigation into multi-million peso anomalous flood control projects is underway.
Real-Time Monitoring Under Lookout Order
DOJ spokesperson Polo Martinez assured the public that Bonoan is under an immigration lookout bulletin order (Ilbo), which enables authorities to track his movements in real-time. "The Department of Justice and the government are monitoring every move of Mr. Bonoan," Martinez stated.
He explained that the system allows for comprehensive surveillance: "So, for example, if he leaves the United States, travels to another country, or moves within the United States... his passport will be tracked, and because of that, there is real-time monitoring."
Medical Travel and Ongoing Investigations
According to Martinez, Bonoan informed the DOJ about his travel to the United States for his wife's medical procedure. The former secretary is expected to remain abroad until December 17, 2025.
The monitoring comes amid serious allegations against the former public works official. Last week, the Independent Commission on Infrastructure (ICI) recommended to the Office of the Ombudsman the filing of both administrative and criminal complaints against Bonoan and several others.
Massive Financial Irregularities Uncovered
The commission is investigating two major ghost projects involving substantial public funds:
- A P95-million ghost flood control project in Bocaue, Bulacan
- A P72.3-million ghost flood control project in Plaridel, Bulacan
In total, these questionable projects amount to P167.3 million in public funds. The ICI has also urged the Ombudsman to investigate possible violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials by several former DPWH officials, including Bonoan.
The DOJ's vigilant monitoring demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring accountability, even for high-ranking former officials facing serious corruption allegations.
