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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider ICI asks Ombudsman to look into Bonoan, other ex-DPWH execs' culpability in P72-M Bulacan project

ICI asks Ombudsman to look into Bonoan, other ex-DPWH execs' culpability in P72-M Bulacan project

Published Nov 4, 2025 11:23 am  |  Updated Nov 4, 2025 01:16 pm

At A Glance

  • The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is asking the Office of the Ombudsman whether or not former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials led by ex-secretary Manuel Bonoan committed potential violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees in connection with a P72.3-million flood control project in Plaridel, Bulacan.
The Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI) is asking the Office of the Ombudsman whether or not former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials led by ex-secretary Manuel Bonoan committed potential violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees in connection with a P72.3-million flood control project in Plaridel, Bulacan.
Also referred to the Ombudsman along with Bonoan were the names of former undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo and Maria Catalina Cabral.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan (middle) and former Undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo (right) and Maria Catalina Cabra (left). (MB and Senate of the Philippines photos)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan (middle) and former Undersecretaries Roberto Bernardo (right) and Maria Catalina Cabra (left). (MB and Senate of the Philippines photos)
The recommendation-- shared in a press conference Tuesday morning, Nov. 4--forms part of an interim report that the ICI will submit to the Ombudsman regarding the particular project, which was implemented by the DPWH Bulacan First District Engineering Office through contractor Topnotch Catalyst Builders Inc.
The project, located in Barangay Bagong Silang (Purok 4), involved the construction of a riverbank protection structure.
ICI Chairman, retired Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Andres Reyes Jr., said in a press briefing that based on the Commission on Audit (COA) findings, no actual structure was built at the site indicated in the approved bid plans.
Instead, construction was allegedly relocated to another site, as reflected in the “As Staked/As Built” plans.
However, the ICI noted that the change in project location was unsupported by sufficient documentation that would authorize such a deviation.
“The project was never constructed at the designated location in the approved bid plans, thus, not implemented,” Reyes said.
Despite this, the DPWH allegedly released and paid the full contract cost to the contractor, Topnotch.
The ICI said several DPWH public officials appeared "grossly negligent" in ensuring that the project was properly implemented and that government funds were lawfully disbursed.
Their alleged failure to exercise diligence and oversight, the commission added, resulted in evident injury to the government.
Aside from the possible ethical violations of the former DPWH officials, the ICI will also recommend that the Ombudsman evaluate whether potential criminal offenses may have been committed by certain DPWH engineers and personnel—namely Engineer Henry Alcantara, Engineer Brice Ericson Hernandez, and Mr. Eumir Villanueva, among others—under the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, the Revised Penal Code’s (RPC) provisions on Malversation and Falsification, Presidential Decree (PD) No. 1759, and the Government Procurement Reform Act.
The ICI clarified that its findings remain preliminary and do not constitute categorical determinations of guilt.
“Responsibility for determining liability rests with the proper authorities,” Reyes said.
He added that interim report's role was to assist in ensuring accountability and protecting the integrity of public funds.
“The ICI reaffirms its commitment to transparency and to providing the public with reliable and accurate information on matters affecting the responsible implementation of infrastructure projects,” he said.

Related Tags

Independent Commission for Infrastructure Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Manuel Bonoan Roberto Bernardo Catalina Cabral
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