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://qfs-ro-bbo-joew.gyglfs.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.
- Israel flattens high-rise as it tells Gaza City residents to flee
- Pope demands end to 'collective punishment' and forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza
- Marcos thumbs down return of proposed 2026 budget to Malacañang
- BIR to audit contractors flagged for ghost flood projects for tax fraud — BIR
- Portugal mourns after Lisbon streetcar accident kills 15
- Thailand set for vote on new PM after dissolution bid rejected
- Ukraine says Russia linked to lawmaker's killing
- Prompt release of educational aids sought
- Comelec upholds cancelation of Duterte Youth registration
- Bureau of Customs seeks missing luxury cars of contractor Sarah Discaya
