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.
"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://clhwyy.ycyzqzxyh.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.
- Islamic State claims deadly attack on Pakistan rally
- Modi: India, Japan to 'shape the Asian century'
- Heavy rains flood parts of Metro Manila anew
- SSS rolls out historic pension reform program
- Lawmaker questions 340% NTF-ELCAC budget increase
- Filipino weightlifter Vanessa Sarno banned for 2 years for anti-doping violation
- Putin meets Kim, praises North Korean troops in Russia
- More funding sought for sports commission
- President asks governor to expose irregularities in govt projects
- Gaps in healthcare services remain - study
