By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Thursday said it is verifying claims that it received erroneous data on flood control projects from former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan.
The statement was issued after Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson on Wednesday alleged that Bonoan “deliberately submitted” incorrect grid coordinates of thousands of flood control projects nationwide to Malacañang.
“Sa ngayon po, bine-verify pa rin po kung ano ang mga nasabi po ni Senator Lacson. So, hindi pa po tayo makakapagbigay ng detalye at kailangan po naming ma-verify po natin lahat,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said in a press briefing when asked for a reaction.
Lacson, chairperson of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said he had received “reliable information” that Bonoan provided false information to mislead President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
He said Bonoan’s actions resulted in inaccurate data involving 421 ghost flood control projects.
Bonoan is currently in the United States to accompany his wife for a medical procedure.
Lacson said a subpoena will be issued to Bonoan on Monday to compel him to attend the next hearing and warned that the former DPWH chief could be cited for contempt if he fails to appear.
Castro said Bonoan should return to the country to clarify the matter.
“I cannot speak for Secretary Bonoan. Hindi ko po alam kung ano ang mga sinabi niya at kung ano ang mga pinangako niya. Kailangan lang po siya talagang makabalik sa Pilipinas,” she said.
“Kahit sila ay nasa ibang bansa, hahabulin pa rin po sila ng batas ng Pilipinas. At kung kinakailangan silang sampahan ng kaso at kung may mapapakitang ebidensya, mananatili silang akusado kapag hindi po sila bumalik sa Pilipinas,” Castro added.
She reiterated Marcos’ firm stance that individuals involved in flood control anomalies must be investigated.
“Ang gusto ng Pangulo, maimbestigahan ang lahat ng sangkot. Kung sila man po ay sangkot, kailangan po silang maimbestigahan,” Castro said.
