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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson, This news data comes from:http://edb-kxue-ytnf-rbgv.705-888.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.
- 2 Marikina policemen accused of molestation
- Marcos mum on Magalong joining independent commission for DPWH probe
- UK, Japan, South Korea endure hottest summer on record
- PNP chief Torre relieved from post — Palace
- Humanoid robots showcase skills at Ancient Olympia. But they're on a long road to catch up to AI
- Putin facing mounting pressure from the West
- Tensions soar in Indonesia as protests over police brutality and lawmakers' allowances continue
- IBP forms committee on good governance to probe corruption
- Marcos signs laws declaring holidays across PH
- Social media erupts: Politicians' children face backlash for flaunting wealth
