'Congressmen may get P2 M each as Christmas bonus'

Puno: Not bonus, but addt'l funding

- By JOSE RODEL CLAPANO

Each of the 318 congressmen - including party-list representatives - may receive P2 million as “Christmas bonus,” coinciding with the signing of the 2026 General Appropriations Bill, Batangas 1st district Rep. Leandro Leviste said yesterday.

“On top of the salary of each congressman, we have a monthly operating budget in our offices. That is more or less P1 million, and today, we have extra being given to us. First, it is Christmas. Second, the bonuses are released in time for the voting for the budget,” Leviste told reporters. He admitted he learned of the bonus only from other congressmen.

He said congressmen earn P300,000 a month as salary.

House Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno said it was not a Christmas bonus but “additional funding for your Christmas requirements in your district,” adding that the funds are recorded and subject to government audit.

“Magki-Christmas party ka sa mga barangay captain mo, mag-health activity ka, you will do mga consultations."

Leviste said one of the usual problems ahead of voting on the national budget is getting a quorum.