MANILA — Former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel Bonoan must secure permission from the courts before traveling abroad, Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Fredderick Vida said.

Vida’s statement came after the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) issued a precautionary hold departure orderagainst Bonoan, who faces allegations linked to anomalous flood control projects.

“So, with that, any permit or any allowance for you to travel, kailangan na ng court process,” Vida told reporters, stressing that the DOJ cannot unilaterally allow Bonoan to leave the country because travel is considered a personal liberty.

Bonoan had earlier filed a counter-affidavit in response to a plunder complaint, claiming he was previously allowed by the DOJ to travel to the United States to visit his ailing wife, who is scheduled for surgery this month.

Vida noted that Bonoan may be considered a flight risk as he did not fully comply with conditions set in his previous travel permit.

“Hinihingi namin yung itinerary niya, saan siya pupunta. And of course, nagkaroon ng konting issue doon kasi hindi naman siya bumalik sa original date, duon sa pinangako niya,” he explained.

Under Philippine law, plunder is committed by a public official who accumulates at least PHP75 million in ill-gotten wealth through a series of criminal acts.

Bonoan’s co-accused include Senator Jinggoy Estrada, former DPWH undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, former regional director Gerard Opulencia, and former district engineer Henry Alcantara.