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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson, This news data comes from:http://www.redcanaco.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.
- Israeli army: Gaza City now 'a dangerous combat zone'
- No winner in Grand, Megalotto draws for Aug 27
- Nartatez to reassign Torre if he won't retire, says they're 'okay'
- 'Mockery of science': US experts blast Trump climate report
- Fears of new political crisis grip France
- LGBTQ+ Catholics make Holy Year pilgrimage to Rome and celebrate a new sense of acceptance
- 1 of 2 suspects in Pasay robbery, rape arrested
- PH doesn't recognize Taiwan as sovereign state, stands by 'One China Policy' -- Foreign Affairs chief
- Transport chief pushes shame campaign vs errant motorists
- Can a giant seawall save Indonesia's disappearing coast?
