Manila: Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan continues to enjoy the trust and confidence of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. despite the recent discovery of ‘ghost’ flood control projects in some parts of the country, Malaca±ang said on Wednesday. In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro stated that Marcos has not mentioned any plans to take action against Bonoan amid these issues.
According to Philippines News Agency, Castro emphasized that President Marcos’s trust in Bonoan remains intact. When asked about Marcos’s continued support for Bonoan, Castro advised patience regarding any potential actions: “So, kung meron mang magiging aksyon patungkol kay Secretary Bonoan, hintayin lamang po natin. Pero as of the moment, nandiyan pa rin po ‘yung trust niya (If there will be any action regarding Secretary Bonoan, let us just wait. But as of the moment, the trust is still there).”
Castro also addressed former public works secretary Rogelio Singson’s statement about receiving feelers from Malaca±ang regarding a potential return to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) as Bonoan’s replacement. She assured that further information would be provided: “Sa ngayon po ay itatanong po natin at bibigyan ko po kayo ng detalye patungkol diyan (At this time, we will ask and provide you with details regarding that).”
An investigation into flood control projects is underway following reports of irregularities and misuse of funds. Marcos has also conducted a series of inspections in areas with reported anomalies in flood control projects.
