Former DPWH Secretary Bonoan Requests to Be Excused from Senate Inquiry
MANUAL BONOAN – The former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary has requested to be excused from attending the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee hearing on alleged irregularities in flood control projects. Bonoan argued that since he no longer heads the agency, he should not be required to participate in the proceedings.
Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who chairs the committee, granted Bonoan’s request after he responded to several preliminary questions. Representing the DPWH during the session was Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral, who officially took his place.
Bonoan’s resignation took effect on September 1, 2025, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s acceptance of his decision. To fill the leadership gap, the President immediately appointed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon as the new DPWH chief.
Malacañang clarified that Dizon’s primary mandate is to implement a full organizational “clean sweep” within the department. All undersecretaries, assistant secretaries, regional directors, and district engineers are expected to tender courtesy resignations. This move, the Palace emphasized, is aimed at restoring public trust and ensuring that government funds are properly channeled to infrastructure projects.
To further strengthen accountability, President Marcos also established an Independent Commission to Investigate Flood Control Anomalies. The commission will review existing projects, uncover irregularities, and recommend sanctions against erring officials and contractors.
Even as Bonoan is excused from the Senate inquiry, Rep. Terry Ridon, Co-Chair of the House Infrastructure Committee, confirmed that the former secretary will still be invited to their separate investigation. The House probe will zero in on alleged “ghost projects,” substandard flood works in Bulacan, and the awarding of multi-billion peso contracts to undercapitalized firms.
The controversy intensified after revelations that 20% of the ₱545-billion flood control budget was cornered by only 15 contractors, several of whom run projects across multiple regions. District engineering offices have already been placed under preventive suspension, including Bulacan’s 1st District and Batangas’ 1st District, the latter linked to a bribery attempt involving Rep. Leandro Leviste.
Meanwhile, Senator Panfilo Lacson welcomed the appointment of Dizon, praising his work ethic and management record at the Department of Transportation. Still, skepticism lingers at the local level. In Quezon City, officials disclosed that out of 254 DPWH-monitored flood projects, only two were actually approved by the city government—raising serious questions about oversight and implementation.