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., This news data comes from:http://dfgo.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
- Lacson: House can't return proposed 2026 budget to Palace
- COA launches sweeping audit of flood control projects
- Palestinian Embassy echoes PH appeal for ceasefire in Gaza
- 1 of 2 suspects in Pasay robbery, rape arrested
- Japan pledges continued support for Philippine development projects
- China criticizes Canadian, Australian warships transiting Taiwan Strait
- Over 800 killed as quake rocks Afghanistan
- Pasig Mayor Vico Sotto attends House flood control probe
- DHSUD chief cites accomplishments
- Trump rebrands Department of Defense as 'Department of War'
