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, This news data comes from:http://lvsfkqc.redcanaco.com
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
"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.
- Some areas in Metro Manila, 5 provinces to have power interruptions due to maintenance works
- Marcos to create independent commission to investigate flood control anomalies
- One in four people lack access to safe drinking water – UN
- DPWH engineer in bribery scandal placed under preventive suspension
- Australia halts logging for koala haven on eastern coast
- NACC renews appeal: Adopt neglected kids
- Manila mayor warns against mobs, orders police to maintain peace and order
- 'Lannie' exits PH — Pagasa
- Over 800 killed as quake rocks Afghanistan
- Trump wants to meet Norea Korea's Kim again
