Sen. Lacson links former DPWH sec. Bonoan to alleged flood project anomalies

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo "Ping" Lacson on Tuesday, September 9, linked former DPWH secretary Manuel Bonoan to questionable flood control projects under congressional review.

In his privilege speech, Lacson revealed that corporate records link Bonoan's daughter, Fatima Bonoan Dela Cruz, to MBB Global Properties Corp., where she serves as treasurer alongside other executives connected to political and DPWH-linked families. The company also owns the Wyndham Garden Hotel in Clark, Pampanga.

"MBB stands for Maglanque, Bernardo, and Bonoan," he said. Lacson emphasized the relevance of these surnames to the flood control controversy, stating, "Coincidentally, these are known surnames of today's flood control saga: Candaba Mayor Rene Maglanque…DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo, na kamakailan lamang ay nag-early retirement matapos masangkot sa maanomalyang flood control; at siyempre pa, dating DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan."

Sen. Lacson stated that former Globalcrete Builders president Rene Maglanque obtained about P2.2 billion worth of flood control projects in Bulacan between 2018 and 2024. He added that records still showed Maglanque as company president in 2024, noting that he continued to sign contracts despite the requirement to divest.

Former DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan resigned on August 31 amid the ongoing investigation. He was replaced by Vince Dizon, who previously served as Secretary of the Department of Transportation.