Manuel Bonoan to Strengthen Cases Against Romualdez and Revilla

Former Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan has been accepted as a senate witness by the Office of the Ombudsman to strengthen the cases against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez and Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. over the alleged irregularities involving flood control projects.

The Office of the Ombudsman announced that Bonoan’s testimony is expected to provide important information that may help investigators establish the facts of the ongoing cases.

According to Assistant Ombudsman Jose Dominic Clavano IV, Bonoan personally participated in discussions and meetings related to the projects, making his testimony valuable to the investigation.

Clavano explained that Bonoan was present during the meetings and personally spoke with congressmen and Cabinet secretaries which is why his testimony could help support the government’s investigation.

He also said that the Office of the Ombudsman is willing to hear Bonoan’s statements because they may strengthen the case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

The Ombudsman explained that a person may become a state witness if his testimony is necessary to prove the case and if it can provide information that can’t be obtained from other sources.

Bonoan’s cooperation is expected to help investigators better understand how the questioned flood control projects were planned, approved, and implemented.

The investigation focuses on alleged irregularities involving government-funded flood control projects that are now under review by the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman believes that Bonoan’s firsthand knowledge of the projects may help explain important events connected to the investigation.

Aside from the case involving Romualdez, Bonoan may also testify in the criminal case against Revilla before the Sandiganbayan.

The prosecution informed the court that Bonoan is expected to become one of its witnesses during the presentation of evidence.

His testimony may help explain the circumstances surrounding the questioned flood control project that is included in the charges.

The Office of the Ombudsman continues to collect documentary evidence and witness testimonies as part of its investigation.

As per Officials, accepting Bonoan as a state witness does not automatically determine the guilt of the respondents because the cases will still undergo the proper legal process.

The Office of the Ombudsman said that its goal is to ensure a complete and fair investigation by gathering truthful information from individuals who have direct knowledge of the happenings.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to examine the evidence related to the alleged misuse of public funds in the flood control projects.

The acceptance of Bonoan as a state witness marks another important development in the government’s investigation into the alleged anomalies involving flood control projects while ensuring that the rights of all parties are protected under the law.