FEBRUARY 16, 2026 — Former Public Works and Highways Secretary Manuel Bonoan has filed his counter-affidavit before the Department of Justice (DOJ) in response to a plunder complaint tied to allegedly anomalous flood control projects. Alongside him in the case is Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who is no stranger to corruption controversies. Bonoan, however, insists he’s cooperating fully — even as he prepares to fly to the United States for his wife’s medical operation.

“I submitted my counter-affidavit,” Bonoan told reporters, adding that he had already informed the DOJ panel of his travel plans. “Yeah, nakapagpaalam kami,” he said. 

(Yes, we asked permission.)

But here’s the catch: while Bonoan claims the DOJ panel allowed him to leave, DOJ spokesperson Atty. Polo Martinez clarified that only the courts can restrict or permit travel. And just days ago, the Manila Regional Trial Court issued a precautionary hold departure order (PHDO) against Bonoan, Estrada, and several other former DPWH officials, barring them from leaving the country amid the plunder probe.

Now this raises a glaring question: If a court order is already in place, how does Bonoan’s planned trip to the US fit into the picture? Is this another case of powerful figures maneuvering around the justice system, or is it simply a matter of miscommunication between the DOJ and the courts?

The PHDO was issued precisely to prevent respondents from fleeing while cases are pending. Yet Bonoan has already traveled abroad before — returning only last January after his wife’s corneal transplant. He assures the public he’ll continue cooperating, but we have heard that promise before from politicians facing charges. Are we to be blamed for always being so suspicious? 

The bigger issue here isn’t just Bonoan’s travel — it’s the credibility of our justice system. If ordinary Filipinos can’t easily leave the country when facing legal trouble, why should high-profile officials be treated differently?

Will the courts finally prove that no one is above the law, or will this be another chapter in the endless saga of impunity in Philippine politics?

(Image: Wikipedia)