Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste said former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan can explain how P153 billion in DPWH projects, mostly for flood control, were funded using money transferred from PhilHealth and the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation, a trail now tied to the Ombudsman’s case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.
“It was the DPWH, not Congress, that chose the P153-billion DPWH projects that were funded by PhilHealth and PDIC, which were mostly for flood control,” Leviste said.
“Former Sec. Manuel Bonoan can answer why the funds from PhilHealth and PDIC were allocated to flood control and how the projects and contractors were selected,” he added.
Leviste released Special Allotment Release Orders dated from October to December 2024 covering road dikes, drainage systems, footbridges, roads and rehabilitation works. He said their timing nearly matched the transfer of P167 billion from the two state institutions to the Department of Budget and Management.
Bonoan’s knowledge could directly affect Romualdez’s defense. The Office of the Ombudsman placed the former DPWH chief under a cooperation arrangement as a state witness in the investigation against Romualdez, giving prosecutors access to an official who oversaw the agency that selected and managed the projects.
The Ombudsman has moved complaints against Romualdez, former Ako Bicol representative Zaldy Co and several others to preliminary investigation for plunder and possible money laundering violations.
Assistant Ombudsman Mico Clavano identified Romualdez as the “central figure” in the alleged diversion of flood control funds. Investigators said sworn statements from eight former security personnel of Co were supported by records involving money changers, bank transfers and shell companies connected to personalities linked to Romualdez.
Romualdez has denied involvement and said he is prepared to answer the complaints. He remains covered by a precautionary hold departure order, while authorities have secured asset freezes connected to the money laundering inquiry.
Bonoan could now reveal who influenced the project list, how contractors were chosen and why money meant to protect Filipino patients and bank depositors entered a flood control system that prosecutors have linked to Romualdez.
