MANILA, Philippines — The Senate will seek an explanation from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) over an alleged ₱5 million funding offer made to Senator Panfilo Lacson, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said.
The controversy emerged after Lacson disclosed that a person identifying herself as “Stephanie,” reportedly connected to TESDA Director General Jose Francisco Benitez, contacted his office about a proposed allocation fund. Lacson said he rejected the offer, questioning whether the amount was a legitimate scholarship allocation.
Gatchalian said the matter should be examined during deliberations on TESDA’s proposed 2027 budget. He stressed that government funds must serve public needs rather than be used to secure political favor.
Benitez has denied authorizing anyone to make the offer and ordered an internal investigation. Gatchalian said he did not have complete information about the incident and suggested that an individual employee might have acted without authorization.
The Senate’s inquiry is expected to clarify who made the offer, whether public funds were involved and whether any rules were violated. No finding of wrongdoing against TESDA leadership has been established in the reported allegations.
