Lacson flags P100B insertions in 2025 budget

Senate President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson flagged at least P100 billion in insertions for projects "for later release" in the 2025 General Appropriations Act, particularly within the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Lacson expressed concern that these insertions, which he likened to the pre-2013 Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF), could lead to abuses and potential collusion between lawmakers and DPWH officials for kickbacks.

He noted that while senators made significant insertions, the amounts inserted by members of the House of Representatives were "much bigger" and their list of names was significantly longer.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III, however, stated that such budget insertions are a normal part of the legislative process.

Lacson clarified that insertions are not necessarily unlawful but raised suspicion over the substantial amounts supposedly received by individual lawmakers, with the largest single insertion for one senator being P10 billion.

He deferred judgment on whether these insertions automatically implied lawmakers profited or conspired to benefit from the projects.