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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson, This news data comes from:http://gwcg-hdkr-ibxy-iu.aichuwei.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.
- Marcos soon to create commission to probe flood control projects
- Pagasa sees cyclone-free week across PH
- Alex Eala targets US Open Round of 32 in rematch against Spanish rival
- Govt monitoring Chinese ‘sleeper agents’ in PH
- Marcos urged to raise WPS resolution at UN
- Konektadong Pinoy Bill has lapsed into law — Palace
- DPWH to revisit budget, to complete revisions within 2 weeks
- DFA: No US extradition request for Quiboloy
- Customs preparing report on Discayas’ 28 luxury cars
- P270M rock shed useless – Marcos