Tesda chief denies P5-M ‘allocation’ for Lacson

MANILA, Philippines — The chief of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) denied authorizing a P5-million allocation for Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson.

“As Tesda Secretary, I did not authorize anyone to offer any allocation or one amounting to P5 million to Senator Ping Lacson,” Tesda Director-General Jose Francisco “Kiko” Benitez said in a statement on Saturday.

“Senator Ping is an admirable advocate for good governance, transparency, and accountability—thrusts that this Office shares without reservation,” he added.

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This follows a series of photos that Lacson posted on X, showing the senator’s staff declining Tesda’s “allocation fund” offer last week made by a certain “Stephanie.”

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READ: Lacson to investigate P5M allocation fund allegedly offered by Tesda

Benitez said he has ordered an investigation into this matter to identify the individual behind the unauthorized exchange and “misrepresentations.”

He said appropriate administrative or criminal cases will be filed against anyone found liable.

READ: Lacson wants scrutiny of lump sum items in 2027 proposed budget

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“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,” the Tesda chief said.

He said Tesda always reaches out to the Senate whenever necessary regarding concerns involving the agency.

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“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 stressed.

“We intend to keep the confidence of the Filipino people by providing our services with utmost integrity,” he added.

Lacson also said he will clarify the issue when the Senate deliberates on Tesda’s 2027 budget in November when sessions resume.

The senator said he had “declined unequivocally” the allotment offer “made to me through my Senate staff” and had considered conducting an entrapment or sting operation.

“Maybe they thought I’m ‘standard practice.’ They didn’t know me. Now they do,” Lacson said.

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He said he did not push through with the plan because “I took pity on Stephanie, who apparently was only following instructions.” /cb