Lacson says TESDA offered him P5-M 'allocation fund,' but agency denies claim

Senator Panfilo "Ping" Lacson on Saturday said the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) offered him a P5-million "allocation fund," but the agency rejected the claim.

In a statement, Lacson said the proposal was made through his Senate staff earlier this week, but he refused it.

The senator said he would clarify the issue when TESDA's proposed 2027 budget is tackled in the Senate plenary 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.

Lacson posted on his X account the screenshot of the alleged allocation fund offer from TESDA Secretary and Director General Jose Francisco Benitez, which was supposedly channeled through an individual named "Stephanie."

Lacson said he initially considered an entrapment or sting operation against those involved in the transaction, but took pity on "Stephanie."

"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.

Lacson earlier said the Senate would examine the House-approved version of the 2027 budget bill, and address the red flags there, including those related to Foreign-Assisted Projects (FAPs).

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. https://t.co/J1WcjC97RG

— PING LACSON (@iampinglacson) October 23, 2026

In a statement, however, the TESDA chief denied giving the go-ahead for such an offer.

"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 lauded Lacson for the senator's advocacy for good governance, transparency, and accountability, values which he said are also shared by TESDA.

"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," he said.

Benitez said the agency had already ordered an immediate internal investigation to identify those responsible for any unauthorized actions or misrepresentations, and enforce appropriate administrative and, if warranted, criminal cases. — VDV, GMA News