Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Kaxandra Salonga

ABS-CBN News

MANILA - Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan on Friday entered a not guilty plea before the Sandiganbayan Second Division in his graft case over the alleged flood control kickback scheme.&nbsp;Bonoan was seen entering the courtroom without police escorts after the Sandiganbayan Fifth Division, which earlier dropped his separate plunder and graft charges, ordered his release from police custody.After the arraignment, the court proceeded with the pre-trial, during which the prosecution and defense stipulated on facts and marked exhibits.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/9/2/bonoan-clinically-stable-remains-at-pnp-general-hospital-1142">Sandiganbayan says no release order yet for Bonoan&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;</div>Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who is also accused in the graft case, attended the hearing via teleconference.During the stipulation of facts, Presiding Justice Geraldine Econg asked the prosecution to summarize its theory of the case.&nbsp;&ldquo;It is our position that Estrada facilitated the inclusion of the projects in the General Appropriations Act 2025. And when projects were awarded to said contractors, the accused had influenced the awarding of said projects to the contractors,&rdquo; the prosecution said.Estrada reiterated he had no role in the bidding process of the DPWH or in the selection of contractors for the projects material to the case.&nbsp;&ldquo;I have never participated in any bidding whatsover in the DPWH and I think even my former lawmakers have never participated in any biddings,&rdquo; Estrada said during the hearing.&ldquo;How can I influence the awarding [of contracts] if I do not know anyone from the DPWH?&rdquo; he added.&nbsp;Econg told Estrada that he would have time to present his defense during the trial stage.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/9/1/sandiganbayan-grants-bid-to-discharge-bonoan-as-estrada-s-co-accused-in-plunder-graft-2113">Sandiganbayan grants prosecution&#39;s bid to discharge Bonoan as Estrada&#39;s co-accused in plunder, graft</a>&nbsp;</div>The Second Division earlier denied the prosecution&rsquo;s separate bid to amend the information to exclude Bonoan as a co-accused.

Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan on Friday entered a not guilty plea before the Sandiganbayan Second Division in his graft case over the alleged flood control kickback scheme.

Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan on Friday entered a not guilty plea before the Sandiganbayan Second Division in his graft case over the alleged flood control kickback scheme.

Bonoan enters not guilty plea in graft case over alleged flood control kickback scheme

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Nation

Bonoan enters not guilty plea in graft case over alleged flood control kickback scheme

Kaxandra Salonga,

ABS-CBN News

Published September 04, 2026 06:33 PM PHT

Read More:

Manuel Bonoan

Jinggoy Estrada

graft

Sandiganbayan

flood control

kickback

DPWH

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription. If you don’t see it, please check your spam or junk folder.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.