TESDA chief denies allocating P5-M fund to Lacson
TESDA Secretary Kiko Benitez has denied authorizing a 5 million peso fund allocation to Senator Panfilo Lacson. An internal investigation has been launched to identify those responsible for the alleged unauthorized offer.
Why it matters
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding government transparency and potential corruption within Philippine state agencies.
Neil Alcober · 24 October 2026 · 1:37 PM PHT · 2 MIN READ
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Kiko Benitez said he did not authorize anyone to offer any allocation or one amounting to P5 million to Senator Panfilo Lacson.
"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," Benitez said in a statement.
Lacson said that he rejected an alleged P5 million allocation fund offer from TESDA, which he said was made through his Senate staff earlier this week.
"Senator Ping is an admirable advocate for good governance, transparency, and accountability—thrusts that this Office shares without reservation," Benitez added.
Headlinne story · 3 newsrooms
Technical Education and Skills Development Authority Chief Denies P5 Million Fund Offer to Senator
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