After resigning in the Cabinet, former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan appeared headed for complete exoneration about his participation in the multi-billion peso flood control program anomaly.

This, after the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee excused him from the on-going inquiry into the scandal that triggered strong suspicions about the involvement of former and incumbent DPWH officials, including Bonoan.

Replaced by former Transportation and Communications Secretary Vince Dizon, Bonoan had vowed a thorough investigation into fraudulent flood control projects pointing towards 15 contractors who allegedly cornered projects costing billions of pesos.

However, his decision only sparked criticisms that the probe may only result to a cover up of involvement of DPWH men.

A similar congressional investigation has also drawn sharper public censure with critics assailing the probe as a scandalous scheme to whitewash the involvement of lawmakers in infrastructure scams.

During the first hearing of the blue ribbon panel chaired by Sen. Rodante Marcoleta a few days ago, Bonoan admitted the existence of “ghost” flood control projects in Bulacan.

Malacañang announced Bonoan’s resignation on Sunday, prompting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to tap Dizon to replace him.

ON the other hand, the DOTR vacancy will be filled up by Giovanni Lopez in acting capacity as secretary.

In a press statement, the PCO said Bonoan “expressed support for the President’s call for accountability, transparency and reform within the DPWH.”

The DPWH probe into the flood control anomalies is expected to be discontinued since the President created the Independent Commission to Investigate Flood Control Anomalies.

The new body has been tasked to conduct an inquiry into the flood control anomalie and make a comprehensive review of flood control projects. It is also tasked to recommend accountability measures.