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
"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://hn.erlvyiwan.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.
- Malabon averts crisis with garbage deal
- Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce engaged
- President Marcos commits to boosting PH digital infrastructure
- Putin and Modi in China for summit hosted by Xi
- Gasoline, diesel price hikes seen next week
- India will not 'bow down,' trade minister says after US tariffs
- Pakistanis no reprieve from floods yet
- Fire breaks out in Manila residential area
- PH, Australia, Canada hold joint sea drills
- Two dead as strong earthquake jolts Afghanistan
