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://thqecyn.yamato-syokunin.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.
- Philippine experts urge harm reduction strategy for tobacco control
- Lacson: DPWH exec sought ‘insertions’
- Lone bettor wins P86M in 6/42 lotto draw for Sept 6
- Philippines calls for Gaza ceasefire amid humanitarian crisis
- India will not 'bow down,' trade minister says after US tariffs
- Retired NBI agents urge Marcos to appoint career official to replace Santiago
- Cambodia MPs pass law allowing stripping of citizenship
- DPWH chief rejects calls to resign as he vows to probe corruption in flood control projects
- India's Modi seeks closer ties on Asia tour to offset US tariff fallout
- White House fires US health agency head after she refused to quit
