Ridon denies P2M ‘Christmas bonus’ claim

Terry Ridon, representative of Bicol Saro Party-list, on Friday denied claims by Leandro Leviste, Batangas 1st District representative, that lawmakers received a P2 million “Christmas bonus” following the ratification of the Bicameral Conference Committee report on the proposed 2026 national budget.

In a radio interview on DZMM, Ridon described the claim as part of what he called a “pattern of lies and falsities” by Leviste, stressing that the amount being referred to is part of the maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) allocated to congressional offices.

“First and foremost, there is a clear pattern of lies, falsities, and inaccuracies coming from Congressman Leviste, and this is yet another example of that,” Ridon said in Filipino.

Ridon clarified that the funds are not personal bonuses but are intended to support the official activities, programs, and functions of lawmakers’ offices.

“It is not true that there is a P2 million Christmas bonus. There are funds provided to the offices of congressmen for the activities, programs, and tasks that they perform. This means the money is not meant to be pocketed or used for personal whims. It is included in the list of extraordinary miscellaneous expenses provided to the office. It does not go into the congressman’s wallet or purse,” he explained.

He added that MOOE allocations are not new and have existed since he began serving in Congress in 2013, although the amounts were smaller at the time.

“In fact, since I started in the Congress in 2013, there are checks and bonuses that are given to programs, activities and offices of congressmen,” Ridon said.

“I think it was smaller in 2013. But again, this is not for the salary of congressmen, but for the offices. So it means that it's an addition to the expenses, activities and programs of congressmen and offices,” he added.

The exchange follows an earlier clash between the two lawmakers over alleged budget insertions linked to Bicol Saro Party-list in the 2025 national budget. Ridon previously denied involvement, noting that he was not part of the Congress that crafted the 2025 budget.

Leviste later said he was not lying and explained that his earlier remarks were meant to urge Ridon to look into alleged insertions involving projects in Camarines Sur.

Tensions escalated further after anonymous claims surfaced alleging that files belonging to the late undersecretary Catalina Cabral were illegally obtained by Leviste. Ridon said the matter could expose the Batangas lawmaker to a possible ethics complaint.

When asked whether the “P2 million Christmas bonus” claim would be included in a potential ethics case, Ridon said the focus would likely be on the alleged illegal acquisition of the Cabral files.

“I think what will be more relevant to his ethics complaint is the problem of him getting this ‘Cabral files’ because there are allegations that were forcedfully obtrain it. That's the first. Second, the ransacking of the Batangas District Engineering Office of the 1st District of Batangas beecause there are videos that were released,” Ridon said.

Hours after Ridon’s interview, Leviste appeared on the same radio station and said he “thanked” colleagues for confirming that a P2 million amount was given to congressional offices, but questioned the lack of transparency surrounding the funds.

“My point is, first, why don't we need to give a receipt to the Congress? Because this is a liquidation by certification. Second, why wasn't the increase of this budget discussed with the Congress?” Leviste said.

Leviste said total MOOE rose to P18.578 billion, with P7.8 billion allegedly not reflected in the committee report and only appearing in the substitute bill, which he said could explain the P2 million figure per lawmaker.

He clarified that he is not calling for the removal of MOOE, but is seeking transparency.

“This has a breakdown. Traveling expenses, training expenses, supplies and materials, utilities, communication, professional services, confidential, intelligence, and extraordinary expenses, general services, repairs, maintenance, travel insurance, and other maintenance expenses. There are also other maintenance and operating expenses that have no breakdown,” Leviste said.

“So it would be better if the Congress would provide the details on where each of these line items goes that contains the 18.578 billion pesos MOOE budget,” he added.

In a Facebook post, Leviste said he would remain silent for the meantime except on matters he needs to address, noting that he only spoke on air after being contacted following Ridon’s interview.