The Office of the Ombudsman is seeking to drop charges against former public works secretary Manuel Bonoan and use him as a state witness in ongoing flood control corruption cases, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla confirmed on Monday.
A motion has already been filed before the Sandiganbayan to discharge Bonoan, who is facing a non-bailable P573-million plunder case alongside Senator Jinggoy Estrada.
Remulla said Bonoan’s testimony is crucial in building cases against other officials, while his deteriorating health and current hospital arrest also influenced the decision.
The Ombudsman likewise revealed that charges will soon be filed against a “contractor,” while eight lawmakers are under preliminary investigation for alleged anomalies in flood control projects.
Meanwhile, Malacañang defended the administration’s anti-corruption efforts, citing ongoing investigations, filed cases, frozen assets, and the blacklisting of firms linked to irregular projects.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 30, 2026
