The Sandiganbayan Fifth Division has ordered the release of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Manligas Bonoan from the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) Health Service General Hospital.
In its September 3, 2026 resolution, the anti-graft court granted the oral motion filed by Bonoan’s counsel, Atty. Stefanie Liz Ong, seeking his release following the court’s earlier decision to remove him as an accused in the case.
The Sandiganbayan had earlier granted the prosecution’s Motion for Leave to File Amended Informations, which excluded Bonoan as one of the accused in the two criminal cases involving alleged violations of Republic Act No. 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and Republic Act No. 7080, or the Plunder Law.
Following that ruling, Bonoan’s lawyer moved for his release in open court on Thursday.
The Fifth Division subsequently granted the motion and recalled the commitment orders previously issued against Bonoan on June 19, 2026, which had placed him under custody pending trial.
The court ordered Police Brigadier General Portia B. Manalad of the PNP Health Service General Hospital to release Bonoan from custody, unless he is being detained for another lawful reason.
The order formally clears the way for Bonoan’s release following his exclusion from the amended criminal informations in the cases.
