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Bonoan urged to take leave of absence amid probe on DPWH flood projects

Bacolod Lone District Representative Albee Benitez called on Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel Bonoan to take a leave of absence amid an investigation into "failed" flooding projects. "Out of delicadeza, and to help preserve the integrity of any inquiry, I respectfully urge the DPWH Secretary to take a leave of absence while the investigation is ongoing," Benitez said in a statement, according to a 24 Oras Weekend report by Nico Waje on Saturday. In response, Bonoan said he is ready to take on a leave of absence. 'Okay lang. If it is necessary, bakit hindi po? (It's okay. If it is necessary, why not?),' Bonoan said. Bonoan also responded to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno's comment that flood control projects should be turned over to local government units. 'If they have the resources, bakit hindi? I think talaga naman dapat tulong-tulong lang po ng local government, (Why not? I think local government units should also help),' he said. Probe Meanwhile, House Committee on Public Accounts Chairman Terry Ridon said they are already preparing a probe on the sloppy flood control projects. 'As soon as we organize po 'yung House Public Accounts Committee, magkakaroon na po ito ng pagdinig sa mga lahat ng infrastructure projects including flood control and drainage projects sa ating bansa,' Ridon said. (As soon as we organize the House Public Accounts Committee, it will hold hearings on all infrastructure projects including flood control and drainage projects in the country.) Ridon added they will immediately summon DPWH officials for investigation. During his fourth State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. served notice to government personnel who steal public funds, such as those for flood control projects, that they will be dealt with under the law. 'Kitang-kita ko na maraming proyekto para sa flood control ay palpak at gumuho. At 'yung iba, guni-guni lang (I saw that many flood control projects were sloppy and have collapsed. Even some are just imaginary),' Marcos said. He tasked the DPWH to submit a list of all flood control projects in the last three years and publish it in order for the public to know who should be held accountable. —Jamil Santos/ VAL, GMA Integrated News