By Tracy Cabrera
TESDA secretary-general ‘Kiko’ Benitez. (Photo from the Philippine Accrediting Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities)
Reacting to the allegation of Senator Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson regarding a supposed ₱5-million ‘allocation fund’, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) has initiated an investigation on the matter to clarify its veracity and find out who is behind the controversy. During the Senate’s plenary debates on TESDA’s proposed 2027 budget, Lacson revealed the ‘offer’ which was relayed through his office staff earlier this week. The former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief posted screenshots of the purported offer on social media, which he made through a person identified only as ‘Stephanie’ and allegedly involved TESDA secretary-general Jose Francisco ‘Kiko’ Benitez.”When TESDA’s proposed 2027 budget comes up for plenary debate, I will seek clarification on the ₱5-million fund offer made to me through my Senate staff early this week.
I declined unequivocally,” Lacson pointed out. He also disclosed that he initially considered conducting an entrapment operation but decided against it, believing that ‘Stephanie’ may have simply been following instructions.”Maybe they thought I’m ‘standard practice’. They didn’t know me. Now they do. Initially, I considered entrapment, but I took pity on Stephanie who apparently was only following instructions,” he added. In response to the serious allegation, Benitez welcomed efforts to establish the facts about the said offer to Lacson, strongly denying that he had authorized anyone to make the proposal for an allocation. “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 enthused.In the meantime, Lacson said he has repeatedly opposed pork barrel allocations and alleged bribe offers tied to legislative votes or inquiries as he has previously flagged so-called “allocables” in the 2025 national budget, which he described as a new form of pork barrel.The senator likewise cited thst the Senate will thoroughly scrutinize the House-approved version of the proposed 2027 national budget and closely examine potential red flags.
