President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Sunday expressed full confidence in the Office of the Ombudsman over its reported plan to discharge former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel "Manny" Bonoan as a state witness in the plunder case against former House Speaker Martin Romualdez.

Speaking during a media briefing in Canada as part of his state visit, Marcos emphasized that the decision on whether to grant Bonoan state witness status rests solely with the Ombudsman, saying it is within the agency's authority to determine the best course of action in its investigation.

"Well, again, it is up to the Ombudsman to decide on how to proceed with all of these investigations. And if he feels that the former secretary, Manny Bonoan, will be helpful to the cases with the other people, it is his prerogative. It is his decision. It is his judgment to make," the President said.

Marcos also reiterated his trust in the anti-graft body's handling of the case, adding, "I have complete faith in the Ombudsman and what he is doing."