The Christmas Grinch

In the season of our discontent, it’s almost entertaining to watch a millennial disrupting the kalakaran of the older generations in Congress.

- ANA MARIE PAMINTUAN

Batangas Ist district Rep. Leandro Leviste seems used to being a disruptor, founding Solar Philippines when he was just in his 20s and earning billions from the sale of his shares in Solar’s listed subsidiary SP New Energy Corp.

Leviste is turning into a nightmare from hell for the traditional politicians in the House of Representatives.

He said that in October, he had balked at an offer of P1.5 million for the approval by the House of its version of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill (GAB).

For the holidays, he also returned to the committee on accounts a check for P2 million, which he described as a Christmas bonus given to each House member.

Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno said it was not a Christmas bonus, but additional funds — recorded and subjected to state audit -for “Christmas requirements” in a congressman’s district.

Puno said these “requirements” include Christmas parties with barangay captains, health activities and consultations.

But if lawmakers want to be generous during the holidays, why should they charge it to taxpayers, to the tune of P2 million each?

Puno’s clarification on the nature of the P2 million reveals a fundamental problem in any effort to prevent lawmakers from misappropriating people’s money: they have an unshakeable belief that they have personal entitlement to public funds.

The House even padded its 2026 budget by P10 billion over what the executive proposed, mainly for maintenance and operating expenses, ensuring that congressmen would enjoy a merry Christmas next year.

Leviste issued the statements after failing to deliver a privilege speech explaining why he voted against the 2026 GAB at the House plenary session, during which the voice vote reportedly lasted less than a minute.