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., This news data comes from:http://avj-eqbl-vhx-kioe.erlvyiwan.com
"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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson
"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.
- Zelenskyy meets European leaders on Ukraine security guarantees
- Comelec to resume BARMM polls ballot printing Thursday
- Some areas in Metro Manila, Bulacan to have brownouts due to maintenance work
- Thai cannabis-championing tycoon takes office as PM
- Mass housing developers laud Pag-IBIG Fund
- No winner in lotto draws for Aug 30
- HEADLINES: Lacson: DPWH exec sought ‘insertions’ | Sept. 8, 2025
- Lacson replaces Marcoleta as Blue Ribbon panel chairman
- DILG suspends classes, gov’t work in 17 areas
- Two foreigners face trafficking complaint in Pasay City
