Tesda chief denies P5-M ‘allocation fund’ offer to Lacson

MANILA, Philippines — Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) Secretary and Director General Jose Francisco Benitez on Saturday said he did not authorize anyone to make a P5-million allocation fund offer to 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,” Benitez said in a statement.

“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 the series of photos shared by Lacson in a post in X, formerly Twitter, which showed the senator’s staff declining the “allocation fund” offer made by the alleged office of Benitez early this week.

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

Benitez said that he is already investigating the matter internally to determine and identify the individual behind the unauthorized exchange and “misrepresentations”.

He said that they will apply appropriate administrative or criminal cases against those found liable.

“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,” said Benitez.

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Lacson also said that he will clarify the issue when the Senate deliberates Tesda’s 2027 budget at the plenary in November.

According to Benitez, they always reach out to the Senate when necessary for 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,” he stressed.

“We intend to keep the confidence of the Filipino people by providing our services with utmost integrity,” Benitez also said. /gsg