The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Friday, June 5, said it would abide by the Sandiganbayan’s decision allowing former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan to remain under hospital arrest at the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital in Camp Crame while facing a plunder case linked to the flood control project kickback scheme.

“The department accedes to the wisdom of the courts,” said DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, signaling the agency's support for the anti-graft court’s ruling despite Bonoan’s earlier request to stay at a private medical facility.

The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division ordered Bonoan’s transfer to the PNP General Hospital after reviewing medical records and certifications submitted to the court.

The former DPWH chief is facing a non-bailable plunder charge in connection with the alleged P573-million flood-control case alongside Sen. Jinggoy Estrada and several former DPWH officials.

Remulla said the court-approved arrangement is temporary and subject to an independent medical assessment.

“We will receive the full report on Monday (June 8). He (Bonoan) had two procedures this week to treat his heart attack. Sec. Bonoan is not in the best of health,” he said.

Reports showed Bonoan was confined at The Medical City while awaiting an angiogram procedure. His camp had sought permission for him to remain at the private hospital due to several health conditions.

The anti-graft court, however, ruled that Bonoan should be placed under hospital arrest at Camp Crame while remaining under state custody.

“Accused Bonoan is allowed to be confined at the PNP (Philippine National Police) General Hospital in Camp Crame, Quezon City,” the Sandiganbayan said in its resolution.

The court noted that Bonoan’s condition was supported by medical documents that described him as being in a delicate and immunocompromised state. It said his illnesses “cannot be properly treated or managed within regular jail facilities or nearby government hospitals.”

The Sandiganbayan also directed Bonoan’s attending physician at the PNP General Hospital to submit an independent medical evaluation to determine whether continued confinement is necessary.

“Pending the results of said independent examination, accused Bonoan shall remain under strict hospital arrest where he shall always remain under the effective control and custody of the Philippine National Police-Crime Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG),” the court said.

Remulla said authorities would comply with the court’s directives and seek judicial approval if Bonoan’s condition requires treatment beyond the capabilities of the PNP facility.

“If we cannot handle it, then we will ask permission from the courts to transfer him to a more advanced facility like Medical City,” he said.

Under the court order, the PNP must submit medical progress reports every two weeks should Bonoan’s confinement continue. The reports will help the court determine when he can be transferred to regular detention.

“As soon as the attending physician determines that it is safe to discharge accused Bonoan, the PNP-CIDG shall transfer him to the New Quezon City Jail in Payatas, Quezon City upon orders from the court,” the Sandiganbayan said.