The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has approved the request of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan for hospital arrest, citing his health condition and advanced age. Bonoan is currently facing plunder and graft charges related to the controversial government flood control projects.
Court Orders Independent Medical Assessment
According to the resolution, the attending physician at the PNP General Hospital is directed to submit an independent medical assessment within five days to verify Bonoan's actual health status. The court clarified that Bonoan remains under detention despite being allowed to be confined in a hospital.
Conditions of Hospital Arrest
The resolution states that if continued medical confinement is necessary, bi-weekly medical progress reports must be submitted to the court, with copies provided to the prosecutors. The court also ordered that if doctors determine Bonoan is fit for discharge, he must be transferred by the PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, as per court order. Any emergency transfer to another hospital must be reported to the court within 48 hours. All medical and hospitalization expenses are to be shouldered by Bonoan.
As of this writing, Bonoan is at The Medical City, a private hospital, where he underwent an angiogram procedure. According to the PNP, Bonoan was initially brought to the PNP General Hospital after his surrender to the CIDG on June 2, but was transferred to a private facility due to lack of equipment and facilities for treatment and examination.
Bonoan is one of the officials arrested by the Sandiganbayan in connection with the alleged P573-million flood control kickback scheme. Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who faces similar charges, is also among those accused.
