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.
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., This news data comes from:http://eqfr-tmp-obk-ic.yamato-syokunin.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.
- Malaysia warns TikTok vs cyberbullying, deepfakes
- The rot goes deep: Marcos decries decades-old corruption
- Earthquake kills 250, injures 500 in Afghanistan
- Diokno urges Philippines to rejoin ICC to counter China's aggression
- Thailand acting PM moves to dissolve parliament — party
- Marcos says commission on DPWH anomalies to be finalized 'very soon,' mum on Magalong participation
- Chinese warships shadow Philippine, Australian, Canadian drills in Zambales
- Housing secretary declares 'zero-tolerance' policy on corruption
- Metro Manila disaster agencies expand response areas in preparation for 'Big One'
- Duterte defense files more motions challenging ICC prosecutor
