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
"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://mmiwj.xs888999.com
- Gaza at 'breaking point,' says UN food agency chief after visit
- Peace efforts in limbo as Kyiv mourns 23 dead
- Oil firms to raise pump prices Tuesday
- DILG suspends classes, gov’t work in 17 areas
- 'I have no resentment,' says Torre after dismissal as PNP chief
- Manila marks National Heroes Day with job fair
- 2 policemen placed under preventive custody for allegedly molesting a female colleague in Marikina
- House panel defers 2026 DPWH budget until agency submits changes
- Zelenskyy seeks talks with Trump and European leaders on slow progress of peace efforts with Russia
- 'Lannie' exits PH — Pagasa
