By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA — Former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan was escorted to the Sandiganbayan on Tuesday for a hearing in the graft case arising from the alleged multibillion-peso flood control kickback scheme.
Bonoan, who remains under police custody at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital, was brought to the Sandiganbayan Second Division by personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).
CIDG National Capital Region chief Police Col. John Guiagui said authorities would wait for the court’s directives before deciding whether Bonoan would be returned to the PNP General Hospital following the proceedings.
“We don’t yet know how the court hearing will proceed. We also don’t know yet whether he will be brought back here,” Guiagui told reporters.
The Sandiganbayan had earlier granted Bonoan’s request to remain confined at the PNP General Hospital while the criminal proceedings are pending, citing his condition.
Guiagui said Bonoan’s custodial status remains under the PNP unless the anti-graft court orders otherwise.
“If there is no new order from the court, his custody will remain at the PNP General Hospital,” he said.
The police official added that the CIDG is prepared to implement any directive issued by the Sandiganbayan, including the possible transfer of Bonoan to a detention facility if so ordered.
Bonoan is among several respondents charged in connection with the alleged anomalous flood control projects that prosecutors claim involved a multibillion-peso kickback scheme.
The case is currently being heard by the Sandiganbayan Second Division, which is conducting trial proceedings following Bonoan’s earlier arraignment.
ia/xf
