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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson
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.
"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.
"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., This news data comes from:http://xjara.052298.com
- Vietnam marks 80th independence anniversary with huge parade
- Gasoline, diesel price hikes seen next week
- Marcos to mark ‘Thrilla In Manila’ 50th anniversary
- Read to reduce sentence, Uzbekistan tells prisoners
- NKorea's Kim tells Xi hopes to 'steadily develop' ties – KCNA
- Harold Cabreros takes post as new OCD chief
- Napolcom confirms Lt. Gen. Nartatez as acting PNP chief
- BCDA honored for UN sustainable development goals at Manila Times Awards
- Modi, Ishiba agree to boost economic ties
- House panel defers 2026 DPWH budget until agency submits changes
