Former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan’s health condition became a major issue before the Sandiganbayan as proceedings continued in the graft case involving Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and the alleged flood-control controversy.
During the June 4 proceedings before the Sandiganbayan Second Division, Presiding Justice Geraldine Faith Econg read a court letter stating that Bonoan suffers from Type 2 diabetes, spine pain, chronic kidney disease, carcinoma, prostate cancer, and acute coronary syndrome. The disclosure placed the former DPWH chief’s medical condition directly before the anti-graft court as the case moved forward.
Bonoan’s counsel also told the court that he was undergoing an angiogram procedure, a test used to examine blood vessels and check possible heart-related problems. The statement followed earlier information from the Philippine National Police that Bonoan had been moved to a private hospital for continued management and specialized care.
PNP Public Information Office acting chief Police Colonel Allen Rae Co said doctors detected elevated heart enzyme levels that raised concern over a possible heart condition. Co said Bonoan was transferred in stable condition on the evening of June 2 after the PNP General Hospital was found to lack the facilities and equipment needed for his continued care.
“[Bonoan] was transferred in stable condition on the evening of June 2, 2026 to a private hospital for continued management and specialized care,” Co said.
The health disclosure adds pressure to an already high-stakes corruption case involving a former Cabinet official and a sitting senator. Bonoan and Estrada are facing court proceedings tied to alleged anomalies in flood-control projects, with the graft case being handled by the Sandiganbayan Second Division.
The court letter did not independently prove the illnesses. It showed that Bonoan’s reported medical conditions had been formally raised before the court as judges dealt with the legal process, custody concerns, and the handling of an accused former official under medical care.
