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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson, This news data comes from:http://losq-eb-kw-gyb.705-888.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.
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.
- Sotto ousts Escudero in Senate coup
- Nartatez vows fair assignments, better resource management as new PNP chief
- Marcos approves EO for commission to probe flood project anomalies
- Metro Manila, rest of Luzon would be rainy due to ‘habagat’ —Pagasa
- Some areas in Metro Manila, 5 provinces to have power interruptions due to maintenance works
- SC acquits suspect in 2012 killing of Dutch aid worker over doubtful testimonies
- House party leaders want to return proposed 2026 budget to Executive
- Marcos 'ready' to undergo lifestyle check- Palace
- UN chief argues that investing in fighting poverty instead of wars would make a more secure world
- Majority of Filipinos unaware of vote buying in 2025 elections, OCTA survey shows
