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.
"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://771bg.com
- Discaya’s construction companies competed against each other during biddings
- Tokyo logs record 10 days of 35 C or higher
- PNP chief Torre relieved, Nartatez to take over
- ‘40% of Filipinos obese’
- 'Five Eyes' ministers meet to discuss smashing people smuggling gangs, UK says
- DHSUD chief cites accomplishments
- ERC amends net-metering rules to expand renewable energy options
- Indonesia leader orders investigation into driver's protest death
- No winner in lotto draws for Aug 28
- Tourists dice with danger on Hanoi's train street
