Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel “Manny” Bonoan was rushed to the hospital after suffering from severe hypertension following the issuance of a warrant of arrest against him in connection with a plunder case.
Bonoan initially surrendered to authorities at the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) headquarters in Camp Crame before being transferred to the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Hospital for medical attention.
According to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla, Bonoan’s blood pressure reached a critical level of 192/100, prompting authorities to place him under hospital custody instead of immediately presenting him before the Sandiganbayan.
“Secretary Bonoan is on his way to the hospital because his hypertension was listed at 192/100. He will be kept there for an undetermined amount of time before he stabilizes,” Remulla said during a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday.
The DILG chief clarified that Bonoan remains under strict security while confined at the hospital and will face the court once doctors declare him medically fit.
“And when the doctor says that he is fit to stand trial, then he will be brought to the Sandiganbayan. Meanwhile, full security po siya, hindi po siya makakalabas at restricted access papunta sa kanya,” Remulla added.
Remulla also confirmed that Senator Jinggoy Estrada and the other accused individuals cooperated with authorities and were found to be in good health before being transported to court proceedings.
The plunder case stemmed from alleged irregularities involving flood control projects, with several high-profile officials now facing legal proceedings before the Sandiganbayan.
