PNP assures compliance with Sandiganbayan order for Bonoan's court appearance
At A Glance
- The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it would comply with the Sandiganbayan order for former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan to testify on Aug. 12 in the malversation case involving former senator Bong Revilla Jr.
- PNP Chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. ordered the PNP Health Service to coordinate Bonoan's transfer from the PNP General Hospital, where the 80-year-old is under hospital arrest for several medical conditions.
- The PNP said it would deploy medical and security personnel and coordinate with court authorities and police units to ensure the lawful and orderly implementation of the subpoena.
(Photo: Philippine National Police)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Tuesday, Aug. 11, that it would strictly follow judicial mandates to transport former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan before the Sandiganbayan for his scheduled testimony in the trial of former senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. related to an alleged anomalous flood control project in Pandi, Bulacan.
Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., PNP chief, directed the PNP Health Service to coordinate with the anti-graft court for Bonoan’s scheduled testimony on Wednesday, Aug. 12, while ensuring that his medical condition is properly managed.
“We have directed the PNP Health Service to fully comply with the Sandiganbayan order and ensure that Mr. Bonoan is brought before the court as scheduled. His medical condition and safety will remain a priority throughout the process,” Nartatez said.
The Sandiganbayan Third Division issued a subpoena on Aug. 7 ordering Bonoan to appear before the court and testify in the malversation case against Revilla for an alleged ghost project in Pandi, Bulacan worth P92.8 million.
The subpoena was served at the PNP General Hospital, where the 80-year-old former DPWH chief is under hospital arrest because of diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease and other ailments.
Nartatez said the PNP Health Service would make the necessary arrangements for Bonoan’s transfer to court, including the deployment of medical and security personnel to support his appearance.
The police chief also ordered coordination with concerned court authorities and police units to ensure that the court order is carried out in an orderly manner.
“The PNP respects the authority of the courts and will ensure that all lawful orders are properly implemented. We will provide the necessary security and assistance while respecting the medical needs of persons under our custody,” Nartatez said.