By Tracy Cabrera
CAMP CRAME, Quezon City — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel “Manny” Bonoan is reportedly in worsening health as he faces nonbailable plunder and graft charges linked to the flood control scandal.
Bonoan’s legal team has secured a hospital arrest due to his medical condition, allowing him to be detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital in Camp Crame.
Reports say the 80-year-old former Cabinet official is undergoing treatment for multiple serious illnesses, including Stage IV chronic kidney disease, severe coronary artery disease, prostate cancer, Type 2 diabetes, and persistent hypertension.
His condition reportedly deteriorated after he surrendered to authorities following the filing of charges before the Sandiganbayan and the issuance of a warrant of arrest.
Medical notes cited episodes of dangerously high blood pressure and heart-related complications, prompting further tests at The Medical City, including a cardiac angiogram.
The Sandiganbayan’s Fifth Division later granted partial approval of his request for hospital arrest, placing him under official custody while receiving medical treatment.
Bonoan has yet to appear in court for the plunder and graft cases filed by the Office of the Ombudsman.
ia/xf
