Former Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan testified before the Sandiganbayan that then-Senate President Miguel Zubiri exercised discretion over ₱500 million to ₱1 billion in so-called “leadership funds” for senators in 2025, describing the allocations as ad hoc budget items for priority projects.
Bonoan said all senators requested such funds from the DPWH, except Panfilo Lacson, who later denounced the scheme as a new pork barrel.
Bonoan further disclosed that ex-DPWH Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo submitted project lists for Senators Bong Go and Robin Padilla, aside from those of Bong Revilla and Jinggoy Estrada.
The projects were allegedly funded through the leadership fund, revealed during Revilla’s ongoing malversation trial.
Asked by Associate Justice Ronald Moreno if Lacson was among the requestees, Bonoan clarified Lacson was not a Senate member when the requests were made. # (RRN)
