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://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.
- China to bolster non-Western alliances at summit, parade
- Marcos to mark ‘Thrilla In Manila’ 50th anniversary
- Marcos sacks PNP Chief Torre, saying it was 'difficult but necessary'
- Sara mum, but brother thinks Torre removal due to PNP's 'internal conflicts'
- Philippines nears universal healthcare, 80% goal achieved -- Marcos
- 40% of Filipinos are now obese, says Health expert
- Ex-DPWH secretary's daughter linked to construction firm in flood control probe, says Lacson
- Japanese climber, 102, sets Mount Fuji record
- 17 House lawmakers press Marcos administration to raise WPS issue to UN
- Xi slams 'bullying' in speech to regional leaders at summit
