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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson
"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.
DPWH exec asked lawmaker to make budget insertions — Lacson, This news data comes from:http://705-888.com
- Luzon dams release water due to southwest monsoon
- Israeli PM tells Gaza City residents to 'leave now'
- HEADLINES: 15 drug war victims cleared to join Duterte's ICC case | Sept. 7, 2025
- PH Navy spots 20 Chinese ships near BRP Sierra Madre
- Napolcom confirms Lt. Gen. Nartatez as acting PNP chief
- Petitioners challenge claim NAIA fees lowest in Southeast Asia
- NHA gives cash aid to families affected by calamity in Manila
- Wife of Australian man wanted in police killings urges him to surrender
- Major road closures in Manila announced for 2025 Bar Examinations
- New Quezon City judge to oversee Dengvaxia vaccine cases, sets hearing