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://yamato-syokunin.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.
- Strikes across Gaza Strip kill at least 31 as international scholars accuse Israel of genocide
- DMW: 19 distressed OFWs return home from Jeddah
- Israel flattens high-rise as it tells Gaza City residents to flee
- Humanoid robots showcase skills at Ancient Olympia. But they're on a long road to catch up to AI
- Marcos orders lifestyle checks on all government officials amid flood control probe
- Galvez to MILF: Resolve divisions, protect Bangsamoro peace gains
- Russian drone, missile attack kills 14, injured 48 in Kyiv
- Trump move to cut more foreign aid risking shutdown
- House tackles P881B public works budget amid flood control anomalies
- Bersamin letter proves Torre reassignments ‘valid’
