MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo Lacson said an official of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) called up one lawmaker to make early insertions in the proposed national budget for 2026.
The senator on Sunday said a caller claiming to be "Undersecretary Cabral" from DPWH called up a staff member of Senate Minority Leader Vicente Sotto III shortly after the May 2025 senatorial elections.
"One 'Undersecretary Cabral' called Sotto's staff and told them to insert what they wanted to insert [in the National Expenditure Program (NEP) for 2026]," Lacson said in a radio interview.
"If Sen. Sotto was one of those called by that executive, who else could have been contacted similarly and submitted their proposed insertions?" he said in Filipino.
"Senator Sotto told me he did not submit anything because we are advocating transparency and good governance. The question now is, how many members of the House and Senate made insertions?" Lacson added.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson, This news data comes from:http://mna-tg-fal-cy.705-888.com
- House resolution filed to investigate 'funders' of anomalous projects
- 3 Luzon dams release water
- Students, faculty file complaint against Universidad de Manila president
- Sara mum, but brother thinks Torre removal due to PNP's 'internal conflicts'
- Repairs on Chinese ship in Bajo de Masinloc collision may take 2 months - PH Navy
- China's Communist rulers push party role before World War II anniversary
- UN food agency chief says women and children are starving in Gaza and pressed Netanyahu on aid
- 13 massage therapists robbed, 2 cry rape
- Prince Harry visits late queen’s grave, stirs King Charles meeting speculation
- DSWD program reduced hunger
