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://aogg-nxi-iy-ake.redcanaco.com
- Sara mum, but brother thinks Torre removal due to PNP's 'internal conflicts'
- Social media erupts: Politicians' children face backlash for flaunting wealth
- Marcos willing to submit to a lifestyle check
- Most Filipinos distrust China, see it as biggest threat — OCTA survey
- DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson
- Marcos orders lifestyle check on all govt officials amid flood projects probe
- Marcos to create independent commission to investigate flood control anomalies
- Discaya’s construction companies competed against each other during biddings
- Remulla pledges transparency and impartiality as Ombudsman
- Made in China? The remarkable tale of Venice's iconic winged lion
