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.
"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., This news data comes from:http://www.771bg.com
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson
"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.
- Students, faculty file complaint against Universidad de Manila president
- Cebu Pacific to launch direct flights between Cebu and Palawan
- Isko files raps over demolition of sports complex
- Comelec completes ballot printing for Bangsamoro elections despite redistricting dispute
- Australia government condemns anti-immigration rally in Sydney
- In Taiwan, competing narratives over the meaning of China's massive military show
- UN watchdog finds uranium traces at suspected Syrian former nuclear site
- Legarda pushes Magna Carta of Waste Workers
- President Marcos launches HD Hyundai Shipyard in Subic
- Chinese sleeper agents' and PLA operatives a threat, Lacson warns
