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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Ex-DPWH chief Bonoan requested longer stay in US — PH envoy

Ex-DPWH chief Bonoan requested longer stay in US — PH envoy

Published Jan 16, 2026 02:01 pm
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan (Senate PRIB Photo)
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan (Senate PRIB Photo)
Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan, who is implicated in the multi-billion flood control project controversy, is still in the United States and has requested an extended stay, Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel "Babe" Romualdez said Friday, Jan. 16.
Romualdez said he directly reached out to Bonoan to ask him about his whereabouts following an instruction he received from the Department of Justice (DOJ).
Romualdez said Bonoan told him he is still in California and has requested the DOJ to give him more time to stay in the US while waiting for the eye operation of his wife.
"I tried to get in touch with him precisely to know his whereabouts because I was requested by the department to find out [his] reason [for staying]," the envoy said in an interview with DZMM Teleradyo. "He accepted my call, or he called me, because I requested to speak to him."
"His reason for being here is because his wife... is due for an operation, an eye operation, and it has been moved to February. So, I think he has requested an extension of his stay here in the United States from our Department of Justice until the middle of January," he added.
Romualdez said they did not discuss other matters because the legality and reason of Bonoan's continued stay in the US was his only concern.
In November, Bonoan, who was placed under Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO), left the Philippines for the US in the middle of the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI)’s investigation into the flood control project anomalies.
Bonoan, the former head of the controversial agency, was among those referred for charges before the Ombudsman for his alleged responsibility in the biggest corruption scandal to hit the country.
On Thursday, Jan. 15, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla said Bonoan was already “overstaying” in the US and could already be deported.
Romualdez, in the same radio interview, said Bonoan still possesses a valid visa, which typically allows Filipinos to stay in the US for up to six months.
"I'm pretty sure that si former secretary Bonoan is not staying here over, because I understand, he arrived here late November, if I'm not mistaken. So I'm sure his visa is quite still valid at this time," he added.
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