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://fkf-aey-ysy-ocij.gyglfs.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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson
- Marcos soon to create commission to probe flood control projects
- China's Xi holds talks with North Korea's Kim in Beijing
- LTO summons driver who berated MMDA enforcer
- Marcos sacks PNP Chief Torre, saying it was 'difficult but necessary'
- Marcos willing to submit to a lifestyle check
- Pope declares 'God's influencer' first millennial saint
- Bonoan freezes DPWH travel passes
- Berlin urges Israel to 'immediately' improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza
- Tourists dice with danger on Hanoi's train street
- Support grows for independent probe into flood control projects
