The Bureau of Immigration (BI) on Sunday confirmed the arrival of former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) secretary Manuel “Manny” Bonoan at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), sharing a photo of him at the immigration counter earlier that morning. According to the BI, Bonoan arrived in the country on January 18 aboard China Airlines flight CI0701 from Taipei, Taiwan.
The photo, which was released by the Bureau of Immigration, shows the former DPWH chief undergoing standard immigration procedures upon his arrival. The release of the image immediately drew public attention, with netizens closely following developments surrounding his return to the Philippines. Immigration officials clarified that Bonoan’s arrival was properly recorded and that he went through the usual inspection process at the airport.
Bonoan previously served as secretary of the DPWH and was known for overseeing major infrastructure projects during his term. His return comes amid heightened public interest, as former high-ranking government officials are often closely watched whenever they travel in or out of the country. While the Bureau of Immigration did not disclose further details about the purpose of his trip, it confirmed the flight information and time of arrival to address circulating online discussions.
Former DPWH Chief Bonoan Arrives at NAIA from Taipei, Bureau of Immigration Confirms
The BI’s move to release the photo was seen by some observers as part of its effort to maintain transparency, especially in cases involving well-known public figures. In recent years, the agency has increasingly shared verified information to counter misinformation and speculation on social media.
As of this writing, no official statement has been released by Bonoan regarding his arrival or the reason for his travel abroad. Likewise, the Department of Public Works and Highways has not issued any comment related to the former secretary’s return.
The Bureau of Immigration reiterated that all arriving passengers, regardless of status or position, are subject to the same immigration protocols. Officials emphasized that the agency remains committed to enforcing immigration laws while ensuring orderly and lawful entry into the country.
Bonoan’s arrival continues to be monitored by the public, with many awaiting further updates or clarifications from concerned authorities. For now, the Bureau of Immigration’s confirmation stands as the official account of his return to Manila from Taipei.
