MANILA — The Sandiganbayan took note of multiple medical conditions affecting former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan, who is facing graft and plunder charges linked to alleged flood control project anomalies.

In a report, it said that during court proceedings, Sandiganbayan Presiding Justice Geraldine Econg, chairperson of the anti-graft court’s Second Division, read a list of Bonoan’s reported illnesses based on information submitted by police authorities.

These include diabetes, hypertension, acute coronary syndrome, chronic kidney disease, prostate cancer, and spinal pain.

“Bakit ang dami na? (Why suddenly so many?), ” Econg said.

The court said it would request the Philippine National Police to submit an updated medical report on Bonoan, who is currently confined at The Medical City in Pasig City.

Bonoan is facing a P573-million plunder and graft case before the Sandiganbayan in connection with alleged irregularities in flood control projects.

According to state prosecutors, Bonoan allegedly had a role in the release of commitment fees and the delivery of kickbacks to Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who reportedly sought a total of P855 million in funding for flood control projects in Bulacan.

Prosecutors further alleged that Bonoan was involved in the selection of contractors who were awarded the projects.

Based on the alleged total project cost of P855 million, prosecutors said Estrada received around 25 percent, or at least P213.7 million, in supposed kickbacks.