Politics · Philippines Bureau
Sandiganbayan orders release of ex-DPWH chief Manuel Bonoan
The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has ordered the release of former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan after prosecutors moved to exclude him from graft and plunder charges. The decision came two days after the court granted the motion by state prosecutors.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has ordered the immediate release of former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel "Manny" Bonoan following a prosecution motion to exclude him from ongoing graft and plunder charges, court records showed Thursday.
Bonoan had been named as an accused in cases also involving Senator Jose "Jinggoy" Estrada and several former DPWH district engineers. The court's action effectively removes him from the high-profile corruption complaint that has drawn significant public attention.
State prosecutors filed the motion to exclude Bonoan from the charges two days before the release order was issued, signaling a shift in the government's legal strategy in the case. The decision by the Sandiganbayan's Fifth Division represents a significant development in the long-running investigation into alleged irregularities in DPWH operations.
The case has centered on allegations involving infrastructure projects and procurement procedures. With Bonoan's exclusion from the charges, the remaining accused parties will continue to face the corruption complaints before the court.