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
"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://ggebupf.771bg.com
- France seized by fears of new political crisis
- Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce engaged
- New judge to handle Dengvaxia cases named; hearing set
- SC orders comment on petitions vs polls
- DOST, SM Supermalls partner to empower businesses with sustainable practices
- President Marcos Jr. visits Cambodia to strengthen ties
- Comelec defers BARMM district reconstitution
- Aftershocks rumble quake-hit Afghanistan as death toll tops 1,400
- Navotas inks deal for school feeding project
- Senate subpoenas 8 DPWH officials, contractors in flood control probe
