MANILA — The Bureau of Immigration (BI) confirmed on Tuesday that former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel “Manny” Bonoan departed for the United States via Taiwan.

In a Viber message, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval said Bonoan left Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 in Parañaque City at 5:30 p.m.

“We confirm that former Secretary Manny Bonoan departed this afternoon for the United States via Taiwan,” Sandoval said.

Bonoan had been issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) by the Department of Justice (DOJ). Sandoval noted that BI officers coordinated with the DOJ to check if a hold departure order or warrant of arrest was in effect. The DOJ confirmed that none existed, allowing Bonoan to leave the country.

Bonoan has been linked to alleged anomalous flood control projects under the DPWH. He resigned as department chief in August amid the controversy. (PNA)