Left on Schedule, Missing on Record: The Case of a Former DPWH Chief Who Has Yet to Come Home

The Bureau of Immigration confirmed that former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan has yet to return to the Philippines, despite earlier indicating a December 17 return date after traveling to the United States in November.

Bonoan left the country shortly before the flood-control controversy escalated—officially citing a medical procedure involving his wife. Since then, investigations have advanced, and his name has surfaced repeatedly in connection with alleged ghost flood-control projects in Bulacan.

The Eagle does not jump to conclusions.
But it does not ignore timelines either.

📖 “The wicked flee when no one pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion.” — Proverbs 28:1

According to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), Bonoan has been found liable for at least two ghost projects, including a riverbank project worth ₱72.4 million and another valued at ₱95.04 million. The ICI has already recommended administrative charges ranging from grave misconduct to gross dishonesty.

At this stage, the issue is no longer travel—it is accountability.

When officials under investigation remain outside the country beyond declared dates, public confidence suffers. The law may allow travel. Due process must be respected. But trust in institutions depends on one simple expectation:

Those accused must face the process—physically, not remotely.

The Agila watches closely.

This is not about guilt declared on social media.
It is about presence before the law.

If the government is serious about ending ghost projects, then accountability must not evaporate across borders. Justice delayed by distance is still justice denied.

The country waits.
The records are clear.
The next move matters.