Palace verifies alleged flood project data errors

Malacañang on Thursday said it is investigating claims that former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan submitted inaccurate data on flood control projects nationwide, following allegations by Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson.

Lacson, chair of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, claimed on Wednesday that Bonoan “deliberately submitted” incorrect grid coordinates for thousands of flood control projects, including 421 so-called “ghost” projects, allegedly to mislead President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

“Sa ngayon po, bine-verify pa rin po kung ano ang mga nasabi po ni Senator Lacson. So, hindi pa po tayo makakapagbigay ng detalye at kailangan po naming ma-verify po natin lahat,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said, emphasizing that details are still being confirmed.

Bonoan is currently in the United States accompanying his wife for a medical procedure. Lacson announced that a subpoena will be issued next Monday to compel Bonoan to attend the Senate hearing and warned he could face contempt charges if he fails to appear.

Castro stressed the need for Bonoan’s return to the Philippines to clarify the allegations. “I cannot speak for Secretary Bonoan. Hindi ko po alam kung ano ang mga sinabi niya at kung ano ang mga pinangako niya. Kailangan lang po siya talagang makabalik sa Pilipinas,” she said.

She added that even if officials are abroad, Philippine law remains applicable. “Kahit sila ay nasa ibang bansa, hahabulin pa rin po sila ng batas ng Pilipinas. At kung kinakailangan silang sampahan ng kaso at kung may mapapakitang ebidensya, mananatili silang akusado kapag hindi po sila bumalik sa Pilipinas.”

Castro reiterated President Marcos’ firm directive that all individuals linked to irregularities in flood control projects must face proper investigation. “Ang gusto ng Pangulo, maimbestigahan ang lahat ng sangkot. Kung sila man po ay sangkot, kailangan po silang maimbestigahan.”