Former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan in an event at the DPWH a couple of years ago. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO/www.dpwh.gov.ph
MANILA, Philippines—Former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who is on trial for graft in connection with an allegedly corrupt P15-million flood control project in Manila, has asked the Sandiganbayan to be allowed to travel to the United States for family reasons.
His coaccused, Japanese contractor Yoshinori Ikeda, has also sought the anti-graft court’s consent that it is not objecting to his application for a work visa extension and the issuance of an Alien Certificate of Registration.
Bonoan and Ikeda, along with three othet DPWH officials, were indicted for violations of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act for the partial payment of a P15.9 million price adjustment in the Manila Flood Control Project II to Ikeda, who was the project manager and authorized representative of the Toyo-Ebara Joint Venture.
In his petition, Bonoan said he has to travel to Los Angeles, California, on Sept. 18, 2013, for a period of 12 days to meet with his siblings, who are residents there, to settle the estate of their parents who died there.
In his omnibus motion, Ikeda, through his lawyer, said he needed the visa extension for his continued stay and work in the country while waiting for the trial of his case to conclude.
Ikeda earlier petitioned the court to allow him to travel to Japan from Aug. 25, 2013 to Sept. 10, 2013, in order to get a thorough neurological examination from his doctor there.
He claimed that he has experienced frequent headaches, dizziness and occasional vomiting. He also attached a copy of the medical certificate issued by Dr. Dante Mendoza attesting to his need to get a neurological examination.
“Accused Ikeda is not a flight risk. He has every reason to come back as his employment is here in the Philippines. He has likewise constantly attended all the hearings and proceedings of this case,” the motion read.