MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) offered him a P5-million “allocation fund” through his Senate staff, a claim the agency’s chief has denied while ordering an internal investigation.
In a statement on Saturday, Lacson said the alleged offer was made earlier this week but that he unequivocally rejected it. He added that he would seek clarification when TESDA’s proposed 2027 budget is taken up during plenary deliberations in the Senate next month.
“When TESDA’s proposed 2027 budget comes up for plenary debate, I will seek clarification on the P5-million fund offer made to me through my Senate staff early this week. I declined unequivocally,” Lacson said.
The senator also posted on his X account a screenshot of what he described as the alleged allocation offer from TESDA Secretary-General and Director General Jose Francisco Benitez, purportedly relayed through an individual identified as “Stephanie.”
Lacson said he initially considered conducting an entrapment or sting operation involving those behind the alleged transaction but later decided against it out of concern for Stephanie, whom he believed might have been following instructions.
“Maybe they thought I’m ‘standard practice.’ They didn’t know me. Now they do. Initially, I considered entrapment, but I took pity on Stephanie who apparently was only following instructions,” Lacson said.
TESDA CHIEF DENIES AUTHORIZING OFFER
Benitez denied authorizing anyone to offer Lacson an allocation or any amounting to ₱5 million, saying the agency welcomed efforts to establish the facts.
“As TESDA Secretary, I did not authorize anyone to offer any allocation or one amounting to P5 million to Senator Ping Lacson,” Benitez said.
“We thank the Senator for promptly informing us of these misrepresentations. We welcome the opportunity to get to the bottom of this matter and fully support efforts to establish the facts,” he added.
Benitez also praised Lacson’s advocacy for good governance, transparency and accountability, saying these principles were shared by TESDA.
He explained that the agency routinely communicates with senators during budget season to ask whether they have concerns about its programs and proposed appropriations.
“Given that it’s budget season, TESDA routinely reaches out to members of the Senate to inquire if they have concerns with the agency. Any improper offer, allocation, or solicitation in TESDA funds, or any other unauthorized arrangement, involving any legislator is contrary to this Office’s directives,” Benitez said.
AGENCY ORDERS INTERNAL INVESTIGATION
Benitez said TESDA had ordered an immediate internal investigation to identify those responsible for any unauthorized actions or misrepresentations.
He added that the agency would pursue appropriate administrative measures and, if warranted, criminal cases against those found responsible.
The alleged offer has not been independently established, and TESDA’s investigation is expected to determine whether anyone acted without authorization.
Lacson has called for closer scrutiny of the House-approved version of the proposed 2027 national budget, including potential concerns involving Foreign-Assisted Projects (FAPs).
The senator’s planned inquiry into the alleged TESDA offer is expected to take place during Senate plenary deliberations on the agency’s proposed 2027 budget. The allegation and TESDA’s denial come amid broader discussions about transparency and accountability in the national budget process.