Senator Jinggoy Estrada and former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan were brought to the Sandiganbayan this afternoon for their scheduled arraignment and pre-trial proceedings in connection with alleged irregularities involving ₱573 million worth of flood control projects.
Estrada arrived at the court shortly past 1:00 p.m. from the Quezon City Jail, Payatas, under tight security provided by the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP). Meanwhile, Bonoan arrived at around 1:45 p.m. under Philippine National Police (PNP) escort, after spending the night under hospital arrest at the PNP General Hospital due to reported health concerns. He was seen being transported in a wheelchair.
Both officials are facing plunder and multiple administrative cases before the Sandiganbayan’s 5th Division, stemming from alleged kickbacks and anomalies tied to infrastructure projects under the DPWH.
Authorities confirmed that both accused were secured by their respective custodial units, with Estrada under BJMP supervision and Bonoan under PNP custody.
Court proceedings are expected to include the reading of charges, with both parties represented by their legal counsels. It will also be determined whether they will enter pleas of guilty or not guilty.
Earlier, both Estrada and Bonoan surrendered to the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) following the issuance of warrants of arrest by the Sandiganbayan. The court has ordered their appearance in relation to alleged corruption involving flood control project funds.
In an earlier statement, the PNP Health Service confirmed Bonoan’s condition while under medical care:
“The Philippine National Police (PNP), through its Health Service, provides the following update on the condition of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan. Mr. Bonoan has been under the care of the PNP General Hospital since the evening of June 1, 2026, for medical evaluation and appropriate management,” the statement read.
Bonoan was placed under hospital arrest on Monday, June 1, after experiencing a spike in blood pressure, prompting immediate medical attention and coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and law enforcement authorities.
Security and custodial protocols, authorities added, remain strictly enforced as legal proceedings continue. Further developments are expected following today’s court session.
