Former public works secretary Manuel Bonoan is among 21 witnesses listed to testify in the plunder case against detained Sen. Jinggoy Estrada before the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division.
Prosecutors will present witnesses from the Senate, Department of Public Works and Highways, and National Bureau of Investigation during bail hearings scheduled from Oct. 20 to Dec. 9.
Estrada is accused of amassing ₱573 million in kickbacks, equivalent to 25 percent of the alleged proceeds from two flood control projects in Bulacan.
Although the court approved the Ombudsman’s request to exclude Bonoan and make him a state witness, it remains unclear whether he will take the witness stand.
Meanwhile, Sen. Bong Go called for Estrada to be allowed to resume his duties as a senator, while Sen. JV Ejercito stressed the importance of due process and respect for the courts.
Source: PhilNews24 | October 15, 2026
