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.
"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://jyxingfa.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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson
- DOJ indicts Abra Mining for fraudulent trading
- Israel flattens high-rise as it tells Gaza City residents to flee
- Budget shortfall narrows in July
- PH, Japan conduct search and rescue exercises
- PH doesn't recognize Taiwan as sovereign state, stands by 'One China Policy' -- Foreign Affairs chief
- Metro Manila, rest of Luzon would be rainy due to ‘habagat’ —Pagasa
- Lone bettor wins P86M in 6/42 lotto draw for Sept 6
- Need a pee? Japan has QR code for that
- Students, faculty file complaint against Universidad de Manila president
- Australia to tackle deepfake nudes, online stalking