Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Secretary Kiko Benitez on Saturday denied authorizing an alleged ₱5-million fund allocation offer to Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, ordering an immediate internal investigation into the matter.
The denial came after Lacson released a screenshot of a message purportedly from his staff detailing the alleged offer, which the senator said he rejected.
“As TESDA Secretary, I did not authorize anyone to offer any allocation or one amounting to ₱5 million to Senator Ping Lacson,” Benitez said in a statement.
He explained that TESDA routinely contacts senators during the budget season to ask whether they have concerns regarding the agency.
“Given that it’s budget season, TESDA routinely reaches out to members of the Senate to inquire if they have concerns with the agency,“ he said.
“Any improper offer, allocation, or solicitation in TESDA funds, or any other unauthorized arrangement, involving any legislator is contrary to this Office's directives,” the TESDA chief added.
Benitez said he had ordered an “immediate internal investigation“ to establish the facts, identify those responsible for any unauthorized actions or misrepresentations, and pursue appropriate administrative sanctions and, if warranted, criminal charges.
Lacson earlier said he would seek clarification on the alleged offer when TESDA’s proposed 2027 budget is taken up in the Senate plenary.
The senator also disclosed that he initially considered conducting an entrapment operation but reconsidered after feeling sympathy for the staff member who contacted his office, believing the employee might have merely been following orders.
Benitez thanked Lacson for promptly bringing the alleged misrepresentation to the agency’s attention.
“We welcome the opportunity to get to the bottom of this matter and fully support efforts to establish the facts,” the TESDA chief said.
He also described Lacson as an “admirable advocate of good governance, transparency and accountability,“ principles that he said the agency shares.
Benitez added that TESDA intends to maintain public trust and aproval ratings by ensuring that its services are delivered with the utmost integrity.
