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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Dead people tell no tales, but Bonoan still can--Tinio

Dead people tell no tales, but Bonoan still can--Tinio

Published Dec 19, 2025 08:08 pm

At A Glance

  • Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Catalina Cabral may be gone, but ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio says there's one person who knows more than her when it comes to the flood control projects corruption scandal.
Former DPWH undersecretary Catalina Cabral (left), former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan (PPAB)
Former DPWH undersecretary Catalina Cabral (left), former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan (PPAB)


Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) undersecretary Catalina Cabral may be gone, but ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio says there's one person who knows more than her when it comes to the flood control projects corruption scandal.
And that's Manuel Bonoan, the very person Vince Dizon replaced as DPWH secretary in early September, when shocking details of massive kickbacks and substandard--if not "ghost"--projects were discovered.
"It is true that Usec. Cabral was a key player in the massive and systematic plunder of DPWH funds. For sure, she knew a lot, could name a lot of names, and the dead tell no tales," Tinio said in a statement Friday, Dec. 19.
"But if there’s anyone who knows even more than her and Usec. [Roberto] Bernardo combined, it’s none other than their boss, the former DPWH Sec. Manny Bonoan," the Makabayan congressman reckoned.
Before Dizon, Bonoan served as the first and only DPWH secretary in the three years of the Marcos administration.
"No allocations could be made, no funds could move in DPWH without the knowledge and go-signal of Bonoan. Yet very early on, President Marcos Jr. allowed him to resign and literally walk off into the sunset and out of the country, beyond public scrutiny," Tinio said.
"He should be brought back and face thorough investigation," stressed the veteran lawmaker.
On Thursday night, Cabral reportedly died after falling into a ravine in Benguet. Authorities are looking into the possibility of foul play.
President Marcos exposed the flood control projects mess during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last July 2025.
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