TESDA Secretary denies alleged ₱5 million fund offer to Senator Lacson

TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez has denied authorizing an alleged ₱5 million allocation offer to Senator Panfilo Lacson. The controversy arose after Lacson shared screenshots on social media showing a message purportedly offering the funds for the upcoming budget year. Lacson stated he rejected the offer, responding to the communication with “Malabo yan. Decline.”

Senator Lacson indicated he intends to seek clarification regarding the matter during Senate plenary debates on the proposed 2027 budget. He noted that while he initially considered an entrapment operation, he ultimately decided against it out of consideration for his chief of staff, who was involved in the communication.

In a statement, Benitez clarified that no such funding allocation was authorized and emphasized that any improper or unauthorized arrangements strictly violate agency policies. He has ordered an immediate internal investigation to identify those responsible for any potential misrepresentation and to determine if administrative or criminal charges are warranted.