Ex-DPWH chief Bonoan is back home

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Former public works secretary Manuel Bonoan returns to the Philippines a month later than originally expected

MANILA, Philippines – Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan has returned to the country following his trip to the United States, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) said on Sunday, January 18.

The BI said Bonoan arrived Sunday morning at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport via a China Airlines flight “without any reported travel companion.”

Bonoan, one of the central figures in the flood control controversy, left for the US in November 2025 to reportedly accompany his wife for a medical procedure.

He was originally expected to return on December 17. Prior to his arrival, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla said Bonoan was already overstaying and could be deported by the US.

Bonoan was included in the BI’s lookout bulletin order in connection with his alleged involvement in flood control corruption during his tenure as DPWH chief.

In September 2025, it was revealed that he was allegedly tied to several public infrastructure contractors, including one company owned by his daughter’s business partner.

The Independent Commission for Infrastructure in November recommended the filing of multiple criminal complaints against Bonoan.

BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said they have forwarded information surrounding Bonoan’s return to the Department of Justice. – Rappler.com