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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson
"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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson, This news data comes from:http://mgau-fvm-op-cytx.aichuwei.com
"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.
- Pag-IBIG Fund gives occupants 10% discount to legally buy acquired homes
- Islamic State claims deadly attack on Pakistan rally
- Modi and Putin affirm special relationship as India faces steep US tariffs over Russian oil imports
- Iran says open to US nuclear talks, rejects missile curbs
- Meeting South Korea, Trump could eye new chance with North
- DILG denies allegations that PNP chief fired over firearms deal
- SpaceX cancels Starship megarocket launch
- Macron says 26 countries pledge troops as a reassurance force for Ukraine after war ends
- Israeli protesters call for hostage deal ahead of cabinet meeting
- Protesters storm Discaya office in Pasig to demand accountability for 'ghost flood control projects'
