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://jyxingfa.com
- WBO champ looms as Pacquiao’s next opponent
- Trough of LPA, ‘habagat’ will bring rain showers, thunderstorms across PH
- PH Army showcases disaster response capabilities before Thai defense officials
- Discaya’s construction companies competed against each other during biddings
- Undersea cables cut in the Red Sea, disrupting internet access in Asia and the Mideast
- Private groups back DHSUD chief's anti-corruption policy
- Indonesian police officer fired over killing that sparked protests
- US Spirit Airlines files for bankruptcy again
- Discayas must return money before seeking immunity – Remulla
- Argentina hunts Nazi-looted painting revealed in property ad
