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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson
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., This news data comes from:http://nyjk-pnop-bmhv-iis.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.
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.
- Giovanni Lopez pledges to continue and expand DOTr reforms
- Malaysia warns TikTok vs cyberbullying, deepfakes
- Mandela grandson says he will join Gaza aid boat
- Discayas must return money before seeking immunity – Remulla
- Escudero subpoenaes 10 DPWH contractors for Senate probe next week
- BuCor chief calls for major reforms
- Xi slams 'bullying' in speech to regional leaders at summit
- WorldSkills Asean Manila begins
- Cyclone's trough, habagat will bring cloudy skies, rain showers over PH
- Follow the trucks: Why investors are looking south of Metro Manila
