Lacson rejects alleged P5-M TESDA fund offer; agency launches probe

MANILA – Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson has rejected an alleged P5-million “allocation fund” offer linked to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), saying he will seek clarification during the Senate’s plenary debates on the agency’s proposed 2027 budget. 

In a statement on Saturday, Lacson said the offer was relayed through his Senate staff earlier this week. 

He also posted screenshots on X of the purported offer, which he said was made through a person identified as “Stephanie” and allegedly involved TESDA Secretary-General Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez.

“When TESDA’s proposed 2027 budget comes up for plenary debate, I will seek clarification on the ₱5-million fund offer made to me through my Senate staff early this week. I declined unequivocally,” the Senator stated.

Lacson said he initially considered conducting an entrapment operation but decided against it, believing that “Stephanie” may have simply 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,” he added. 

In response, Benitez denied authorizing anyone to offer Lacson an allocation or ₱5 million, and welcomed efforts to establish the facts.

“As TESDA Secretary, I did not authorize anyone to offer any allocation or one amounting to ₱5 million to Senator Ping Lacson,” the TESDA chief stated. 

“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 said he had ordered an “immediate internal investigation” to identify those responsible for any unauthorized actions or misrepresentations, with appropriate administrative and, if warranted, criminal cases to follow. 

TESDA said it routinely reaches out to senators during budget season to ask whether they have concerns about the agency, but stressed that any improper offer, solicitation or unauthorized arrangement involving public funds is contrary to its directives. 

Meantime, Lacson said he has repeatedly opposed pork barrel allocations and alleged bribe offers tied to legislative votes or inquiries. He previously flagged so-called “allocables” in the 2025 national budget, which he described as a new form of pork barrel.

The senator also said the Senate would scrutinize the House-approved version of the proposed 2027 national budget and examine potential red flags, including those involving foreign-assisted projects.