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., This news data comes from:http://lhm-gm-ikk-ddo.yamato-syokunin.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.
"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.
- Indonesian police officer fired over killing that sparked protests
- House party leaders want to return proposed 2026 budget to Executive
- Taiwan: China illegally deploying oil rigs in its waters
- Duterte Youth brings Comelec cancelation battle to Supreme Court
- President asks governor to expose irregularities in govt projects
- Discayas name lawmakers, DPWH officials involved in alleged extortion
- Quezon City hails directive for national projects to get local permits
- Thai tycoon takes office as PM after royal endorsement
- Nartatez rules out 'quota' arrests
- SEARCH WARRANT