World · Philippines Bureau
Sandiganbayan orders release of former PW Secretary Bonoan
The Sandiganbayan's Fifth Division has ordered the release of former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan from hospital arrest. The decision comes two days after the court approved his removal as an accused in flood control corruption cases.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — The Sandiganbayan's Fifth Division on Thursday directed the immediate release of former Public Works Secretary Manuel "Manny" Bonoan from hospital arrest, marking a significant development in the flood control corruption scandal that has drawn scrutiny from the country's anti-graft agency.
The order followed the court's approval on Tuesday of Bonoan's removal as an accused in two cases connected to the high-profile corruption investigation. The former cabinet official had been under hospital arrest while the legal proceedings continued.
The Office of the Ombudsman had previously moved to have Bonoan's status modified in relation to his involvement in the cases. The shift in Bonoan's legal standing reflects developments in the government's investigation into alleged irregularities in flood control projects and related financial transactions.
The Sandiganbayan's decision represents a turning point for Bonoan, who previously held one of the government's most significant infrastructure positions. The resolution of his status in these particular cases leaves open the possibility of other legal matters that may still be pending before the anti-corruption court.