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://ngxwnw.erlvyiwan.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.
- EU massive fine against Google draws Trump threat
- Thai tycoon takes office as PM after royal endorsement
- Makati earns high rating in anti-trafficking and violence assessment
- Ukraine eyes defense deal with PH that includes co-production of drones, says envoy
- Vico encourages citizens on Heroes’ Day to be brave
- US agents arrest 475 in Hyundai-LG plant raid
- Sara’s claims that corruption probe could be done in one day 'absolutely preposterous' – Palace
- China to bolster non-Western alliances at summit, parade
- A suicide bombing near a political rally in southwestern Pakistan kills 13 and wounds 30
- Australia expels Iran ambassador over antisemitic attacks
