MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said the decision on whether former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan should be discharged as a state witness is solely up to the Office of the Ombudsman.

Speaking to reporters after his four-day state visit to Canada, Marcos declined to comment on the merits of the Ombudsman’s move, saying the matter falls under the agency’s authority.

“Again, it’s up to the Ombudsman to decide on how to proceed with all of these investigations,” Marcos said.

The President said Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla has the prerogative to determine whether Bonoan should be made a state witness.

Marcos also expressed confidence in Remulla’s judgment, saying decisions related to the investigation into alleged anomalies in flood control projects rest with the Ombudsman.

“If he feels that the former Secretary Manny Bonoan will be helpful to the cases with the other people then again to use the word again — it is his prerogative. It is his decision. It is his judgment,” he said.

Remulla earlier announced plans to make Bonoan a state witness, saying the former public works chief could provide “very important” testimony in the cases to be filed against those allegedly involved in anomalous flood control projects.

Bonoan is currently facing a non-bailable P573-million plunder charge over allegations that flood control funds were pocketed.

His request for house arrest was earlier partially granted because of his advanced age and life-threatening medical conditions.