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://www.xs888999.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.
- Pagasa sees cyclone-free week across PH
- 'No way' US troops can invade Venezuela, says Maduro
- Sotto files bill to amend party-list system
- Wildfires producing 'witches' brew' of air pollution – UN
- Lacson: DPWH exec sought ‘insertions’
- House party leaders want to return proposed 2026 budget to Executive
- GoTyme gives customers 20 free InstaPay transfers per month
- 'Perfect storm': UK fishermen reel from octopus invasion
- Sotto to Lead Senate again as majority votes to oust Escudero
- ‘God’s Influencer’ to become first millennial saint
