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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson, This news data comes from:http://mjyjg.705-888.com
"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.
"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
- Preliminary report on Lisbon funicular accident expected
- Ukraine offers to co-produce drones with Philippines for maritime patrols
- Portugal mourns after Lisbon streetcar accident kills 15
- Read to reduce sentence, Uzbekistan tells prisoners
- Prince Harry to visit UK on anniversary of queen's death
- Tensions soar in Indonesia as protests over police brutality and lawmakers' allowances continue
- PNP chief Torre relieved, Nartatez to take over
- Wife and ally of ousted SKorean president indicted by special prosecutors
- Pasig fire kills child, injures mother as she tries to save him
- NHA gives cash aid to families affected by calamity in Manila
