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, This news data comes from:http://xs888999.com
"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.
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.
- HEADLINES: Lacson: DPWH exec sought ‘insertions’ | Sept. 8, 2025
- Open mic caught Xi, Putin discussing immortality
- DOST, SM Supermalls partner to empower businesses with sustainable practices
- China 'unstoppable', says Xi with Kim, Putin at his side
- House resumes budget briefings
- EU massive fine against Google draws Trump’s ire
- 'Strangest' dinosaur covered in spiked armory — Scientists
- VP Sara lauds Filipino heroes
- New law lets foreigner investors lease land for 99 years
- India will not 'bow down,' trade minister says after US tariffs
