Senator Sherwin Gatchalian denied having insertions in the 2025 National Expenditure Program (NEP) on Wednesday, emphasizing that he had not once requested a project during his time as senator.

He has also never personally spoken to former Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral since entering the Senate, he said.

He explained that when local government units (LGUs) approach senators for assistance in relation to social services and infrastructure projects, their role is limited to referring them to or helping to coordinate them with the right agencies. He said they do not control the course of action they choose to take.

Gatchalian stressed that reports that senators have insertions in the 2025 budget are without credibility and basis.

Earlier, Batangas 1st District Rep. Leandro Leviste claimed that all senators, including his mother, Senator Loren Legarda, have insertions in the 2025 budget.