Sen. Ping Lacson said he rejected an alleged ₱5 million allocation fund offer from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Jose Kiko Benitez for next year.
Lacson shared a screenshot on social media showing a message allegedly offering him a TESDA allocation fund. His side reportedly responded, “Malabo yan. Decline,” indicating his refusal to accept the offer.
The senator said he would seek clarification during the plenary debates on TESDA’s proposed 2027 budget.
Lacson added that those behind the alleged offer might have thought he would accept what they considered a “standard practice.” However, he said they did not know him well.
He also disclosed that he initially considered an entrapment operation in connection with the alleged offer but later felt sorry for “Stephanie,” identified as his chief of staff, whom he said was merely following instructions.
Lacson said Stephanie was informed that he had declined the alleged allocation offer.
As of the report, Benitez had not responded to the allegation.
The alleged offer has yet to be publicly clarified by the TESDA secretary. Lacson said he intends to raise the matter during the Senate’s deliberations on the proposed 2027 budget.
The allegation is based on the screenshot shared by Lacson on social media. No further details were provided in the report.
