The Department of public Works and Highways (DPWH) has requested an immigration lookout bulletin order (ILBO) against former Secretary Roger Bonoan, a Pampanga town mayor, and corporate officials of MBB Global Builders, as investigations into alleged “ghost projects” and substandard flood control construction intensify.
The requests,made to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday,September 10,follow a probe into anomalous flood control projects and come amid accusations of widespread corruption within the DPWH. Newly appointed DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon stated the request supports an ongoing investigation targeting DPWH officials and “key officers of construction companies allegedly involved” in the irregularities. This action signals a broadening of the investigation beyond previously targeted individuals.
Bonoan resigned from his post on August 31, coinciding with the investigation. Senator Panfilo Lacson previously criticized Bonoan for downplaying a ghost project in Bulacan as an “isolated case,” suggesting a lack of intent to fully investigate the extent of corruption within the department. Lacson urged investigators to “connect the dots.”
The DOJ issued an initial ILBO last week, September 4, against other DPWH officials and contractors linked to the alleged ghost flood control projects. On Tuesday, September 9, the DPWH also sought an ILBO against former undersecretary Roberto Bernardo.
MBB Global Builders is currently under scrutiny as part of the investigation. The ILBOs prevent the subjects from leaving the Philippines without DOJ authorization, facilitating potential legal proceedings.
