Sandiganbayan Rejects Proposal to Make Former DPWH Secretary Bonoan a State Witness

MANILA, Philippines — The Sandiganbayan has junked the Office of the Ombudsman’s proposal to remove former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan as an accused and make him a state witness in a graft case. This means Bonoan will continue to face charges as a defendant. Meanwhile, Senator Rodante Marcoleta pleaded not guilty in a separate corruption case. The prosecution had sought to exclude Bonoan from the graft charges and utilize him as a state witness, particularly to elicit testimony in corruption-related cases being eyed against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez. However, Romualdez's camp alleged that the Ombudsman was coercing Bonoan to produce evidence against the lawmaker. This court decision marks a significant juncture in the prosecution of corruption cases. The prosecution had initially charged Bonoan and Senator Jinggoy Estrada together for graft. They sought to amend the information to name Estrada as the sole defendant and use Bonoan as a witness. Estrada's camp objected, arguing that the proposed amendment was substantial and would prejudice him. The court ruled that allowing the amendment at this stage could infringe upon Estrada's legal rights, thus denying the prosecution's motion. Bonoan, 80, is currently under hospital arrest. Separately, Senator Rodante Marcoleta pleaded not guilty to charges of violating Presidential Decree 46, which prohibits public officials from receiving gifts. Marcoleta is accused of receiving P20 million in donations for his 2025 senatorial run. Furthermore, a motion has been filed to consolidate and dismiss 14 graft cases against Uswag Ilonggo party-list Representative James Ang Jr. Ang is suspected of receiving P199 million in payments from contracts awarded by the DPWH to a construction firm in which he allegedly had an interest. These cases highlight the complexities of combating political corruption and graft in the Philippines. In cases involving high-ranking officials and incumbent legislators, witness summoning and evidence gathering processes often become complicated, leading to delays in judicial proceedings. This situation could potentially impact the government's focus on other pressing issues, such as the South China Sea dispute and overseas employment. Source: Philstar Nation