Bonoan summoned to testify vs Revilla

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has summoned former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan to testify on the malversation case against former Sen. Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.

Former Public Works Undersecretary and state witness Roberto Bernardo had testified that Bonoan had discretionary control over a portion of the P10-billion budget for projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) requested by alleged proponents, including Revilla, for inclusion in the National Expenditure Program.

READ: Sandigan junks bid to drop Bonoan from graft case to be state witness

This prompted Ombudsman prosecutors to request a subpoena on Bonoan. Revilla and six former officials and personnel of the DPWH were indicted for allegedly conspiring to misappropriate funds from a P92.8-million flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.

Prosecutors alleged that they conspired to facilitate the release of P76 million for the construction of the project that was never implemented. Bonoan, 80, is under hospital arrest in connection with the plunder and graft case filed against Sen. Jinggoy Estrada. —JOHN ERIC MENDOZA