Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. was the highest-paid member of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet in 2024, based on the Commission on Audit’s latest Report on Salaries and Allowances (ROSA).

According to the COA report published this week, Solidum earned a total of P6.38 million in salary, allowances, and other benefits last year.

Solidum overtook Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who topped the 2023 rankings. Remulla dropped to third place with P5.28 million, while Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Prospero de Vera III moved into second with P5.37 million in total pay.

De Vera yesterday was replaced as CHED chief with Commissioner Shirley Castañeda Agrupis after President Marcos Jr. accepted his courtesy resignation.

Rounding out the top five were Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian (P5.19 million) and Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma (P5.19 million).

The rest of the top 10 highest-paid Cabinet members in 2024 were:

Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa – P5.11 million

ICT Secretary Ivan Uy – P5.03 million

Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III – P4.99 million

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel – P4.96 million

Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan – P4.95 million

The COA clarified that some lower earnings, such as those of Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara and Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil, reflected partial-year service due to mid-year appointments or transfers.

The 2024 ROSA spans over 1,400 pages and provides a detailed breakdown of compensation for government officials, reinforcing transparency in public service.