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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson
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., This news data comes from:http://gangzhifhm.com
"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.
- HEADLINES: 15 drug war victims cleared to join Duterte's ICC case | Sept. 7, 2025
- Sotto willing to testify in Senate probe of flood control anomalies if summoned
- Fears of new political crisis grip France
- Philippine forces deliver supplies and personnel to disputed South China Sea shoal despite tensions
- Israel flattens high-rise as it tells Gaza City residents to flee
- Dizon asks DOJ to issue immigration lookout bulletin to 26 DPWH officials and contractors
- Manila Water announces service disruption for over 12K households in Mandaluyong due to leak repair
- DOST, SM Supermalls partner to empower businesses with sustainable practices
- Ukraine offers to co-produce drones with Philippines for maritime patrols
- Leviste files charges against DPWH engineer who tried to bribe him
