Lacson confirms P100B insertion, claims kickbacks went to Palace execs

SENATE President Pro Tempore Panfilo Lacson confirmed the existence of a P100 billion insertion in the 2025 General Appropriations Act, but said the kickbacks from the insertions were received by individuals who allegedly “misrepresented” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Speaking at the Senate’s marathon plenary deliberations on the proposed 2026 funds on Tuesday, Lacson named two resigned individuals: Presidential Legislative Liaison Office Undersecretary Adrian Carlos Bersamin—who is former Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin’s grandnephew—and Education Undersecretary Trygve Olaivar.

Lacson’s remarks came after resigned Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Elizaldy Co’s revelation that Marcos supposedly maneuvered for the insertion of P100 billion in the 2025 budget. However, Lacson stated that he received information from former Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Roberto Bernardo’s camp that there were people in Malacañang, not authorized by the President, who misrepresented him.

Lacson stated that Undersecretary Adrian Bersamin and Usec. Trygve Olaivar name-dropped the President, making Zaldy Co believe that it was the President’s order to include in the bicam the P100-billion insertions. He also stated that the allegations made by Co were false, but confirmed that the P100 billion insertion was real and that it was inserted in the bicam.