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.
"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 exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson, This news data comes from:http://erlvyiwan.com
- Xi says China 'unstoppable' in parade opening speech
- Head of main US health agency abruptly dismissed
- Need to pee? Japan has QR code for that
- More funding sought for sports commission
- Prompt release of educational aids sought
- Iran says open to US nuclear talks, rejects missile curbs
- DICT grants amnesty to unregistered delivery firms
- Lone bettor wins P86M in 6/42 lotto draw for Sept 6
- Typhoon death toll rises in Vietnam as downed trees hamper rescuers
- PH Defense chief slammed for 'bad mouthing' China
