On August 30, Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan rejected calls for his resignation over allegations of irregularities in flood control projects. He emphasized that resigning would not address the issue but instead evade responsibility.
In a video message, Bonoan remarked that stepping down would have been the easy option but not the right solution. He affirmed his commitment to accountability, stating he would not tolerate corruption under his leadership.
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is currently dealing with accusations of nonexistent projects and suspect contracts. In response, the agency has shuffled key personnel, including the regional director of Region 4B and engineers in Batangas, and suspended offices linked to fraudulent projects in Bulacan.
The DPWH is actively verifying projects in Regions 3, 4B, 6, 7, and 8, and has established an Anti-Corruption Task Force to encourage the public to report dubious initiatives.
Additionally, Bonoan has temporarily suspended personal foreign travel for DPWH staff to uphold transparency and accountability while project validations are ongoing. Exceptions are permitted for urgent medical needs.
This scrutiny intensified following the arrest of Batangas 1st District Engineer Abelardo Calalo, who allegedly tried to bribe Representative Leandro Leviste to stop an inquiry into infrastructure projects. Leviste disclosed that contractors were chosen by lawmakers for bribes.
The Senate Blue Ribbon Committee is also investigating Wawao Builders, a contractor accused of securing substantial projects in Bulacan. Meanwhile, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the DPWH to release a comprehensive list of flood control projects from the past three years for public review.
Despite the scandal, Malacañang maintains confidence in Bonoan, with Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro affirming the president’s trust in him. Bonoan is also prepared to release his Statement of Assets, Liabilities, and Net Worth, complying with Marcos’ directive for lifestyle checks.
