Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson warned of questionable allocations already embedded in the proposed 2026 National Expenditure Program (NEP), saying several projects appear to have been “inserted” even before Congress begins its deliberations.
In an interview on DZRH’s Damdaming Bayan, Lacson said Senator Sherwin Gatchalian personally showed him budget items that carried suspiciously uniform amounts.
He explained that Gatchalian discovered a long list of projects worth ₱100 million each, with some pegged at ₱120 million, but without proper “stationing” details to specify the exact location or coverage.
“Pinakita sa akin ni Chairman Win Gatchalian… ‘yong pare-pareho at exact amount pero magkakaibang proyekto,” Lacson said. “Malinaw na sa NEP pa lamang ay nakapagsingit na ‘yung ilang legislators.”
“San ka nakakita ng proyekto na puro 100 million? Ang masama walang stationing, hindi mo ma-identify kung saang lugar. Mahirap hanapin ‘yon,” Lacson added, warning that such vague descriptions could be a cover for “ghost projects."
The senator stressed that the budget process is being compromised at its earliest stage, saying: “Apat ‘yong pay slip ng budget—preparation (executive), authorization (legislation), implementation, accountability. Pero isipin mo sa preparation pa lang nakikielam na ‘yong legislation, which hindi naman pupwede ‘yon,” he said.
Lacson claimed the “culprit” behind the practice is an alleged collusion between Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) officials, some congressmen, and even senators.
He cited a past incident in which DPWH staff allegedly attempted to persuade former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III to include items in the NEP, which Sotto rejected.
When asked about possible reforms, Lacson urged stronger oversight and credible investigations. He welcomed President Marcos Jr.’s plan to form an independent commission, noting that Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s potential inclusion would boost credibility.
“Even better kasi sagana siya sa information. May ebidensya na siyang sinasabi na pwede na niyang magamit kung matutuloy siyang maging miyembro,” Lacson said.
The senator also touched on related corruption concerns, including the case of PCAB Contractor-Director Arthur Escalante, who faces potential liability for conflict of interest after allegedly maintaining contracts with DPWH while serving as a regulator.
Lacson further advised verifying reports that an engineer who testified at the recent Senate Blue Ribbon hearing was merely a “dummy” for Wawao Builders, saying independent information is needed to confirm the claim.
“Maraming nagaabang sa magiging resulta ng investigation… ang certainty of punishment napaka-importante. Kasi kapag walang nakikitang napaparusahan, mag-eencourage lang tayo roon sa mga nagmamasid,” he warned.
