Politics · Philippines Bureau
Bonoan's lawyer seeks release order after charges dismissed
The legal counsel for former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan has filed a motion with the Sandiganbayan seeking his release from government custody following his exclusion from graft charges. The motion was raised during proceedings involving co-accused Senator Jose Estrada.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Lawyer Steffanie Ong, representing former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel "Manny" Bonoan, petitioned the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division to order Bonoan's release from government custody. The motion was filed during the arraignment hearing of Bonoan's co-accused, Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada, on Thursday. Bonoan had been excluded from the charges being pursued against other defendants in the case. The Fifth Division has yet to rule on the release petition. The development marks a significant turn in the case, which involves multiple high-profile government officials. Bonoan's removal from the charges suggests prosecutors determined insufficient evidence against the former cabinet official to proceed with the case. The Sandiganbayan, the country's anti-graft court, is tasked with hearing cases involving public officials accused of corruption-related offenses.