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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson, This news data comes from:http://www.yamato-syokunin.com
"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 to revisit budget, to complete revisions within 2 weeks
- Pagasa sees cyclone-free week across PH
- Cyclone's trough, habagat will bring cloudy skies, rain showers over PH
- Ukraine offers to co-produce drones with Philippines for maritime patrols
- Islamic State claims deadly attack on Pakistan rally
- Two dead as strong earthquake jolts Afghanistan
- Former president Duterte's health stable despite high blood sugar, says VP Sara
- Marcos willing to submit to a lifestyle check
- Widespread flooding in Quezon City due to heavy rains, stranding commuters, rendering most roads impassable to vehicles
- ‘New NBI chief must be career official’
