Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste “thanked” his colleagues in the House of Representatives for disclosing in public the P2 million allegedly given to congressmen during the Christmas season.
According to Leviste, amid the statements of his colleagues, he is seeking an answer on where the P18.85 million in Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) went, which the P2 million was said to have come from.
The congressman first noted Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno for his confirmation and clarification of the said figure, stating that it is not a Christmas bonus for congressmen but is intended for Christmas requirements in their districts.
“Nagpapasalamat po ako kay Deputy Speaker Puno sa pagkumpirma na may P2M at paglilinaw na: “It’s not a Christmas bonus, it is an additional funding for your Christmas requirements in your district… Mag-Christmas party ka sa mga barangay captain mo, mag-health activity ka, you will do mga consultations, many things,” Leviste noted.
He then cited Bicol Saro Rep. Terry Ridon, who earlier explained that the P2 million given to each lawmaker is sourced from MOOE and meant for office operations and district needs. However, Leviste claimed that the amount is on top of the P1 million monthly office budget.
“Noong una, may mga nag-deny na may P2M, kaya mabuti ang naging paglilinaw nina DS Puno at Cong Ridon. May nagsasabi pa rin na ang P2M ay para sa office budget, ngunit malinaw po na on top ito ng P1M buwanang office budget. Sinabi na ni DS Puno mismo na ito ay para sa “Christmas requirements” ng ating constituents,” Leviste stated.
On Friday, Navotas Rep. Toby Tiangco disclosed that members of the House of Representatives regularly receive a “break bonus” during Christmas, Holy Week, and Undas. Tiangco said that he received one during Undas amounting to P1.5 million, but not during the Christmas break.
“Nagpapasalamat din po ako kay Cong Tiangco sa paglilinaw na hindi lang sa Pasko may P2M at sa Undas may P1.5M, kundi pati sa Easter may karagdagang P1.5M na “break bonus”, at matagal na raw na may ganitong sistema. Nanawagan si Cong Tiangco na maging transparent tayo tungkol sa paggamit ng budget ng Kongreso,” Leviste said in his statement.
According to the young congressman, the salary of a congressman in 2025 is around P334,000, but due to other additional figures, the total amount that can go to a lawmaker can reach up to P4 million.
The said figures are expected to further climb in 2026, as a congressman’s salary will increase to more than P342,000.
“Noong 2025, ang buwanang sweldo ng isang Congressman ay P334,059. Kapag isinama ang 13th at 14th month bonus, P1M buwanang office budget, at P2M para sa “Christmas requirements” umabot sa P4M ang sweldo at MOOE sa Disyembre,” Leviste said.
“Ngayong 2026, tumaas na sa P342,310 ang buwanang sweldo, at kung isasama ang office budget, “break bonus”, at iba pang MOOE, umaabot sa P22M ang kabuuang sweldo at MOOE ng isang Congressman,” he added.
According to Leviste, he is not citing the MOOE and bonuses as “illegal,” but is seeking answers and transparency in Congress regarding the P7.83 billion increase in MOOE from the National Expenditure Program, reaching a total of P18.58 billion, or around P58.42 million per congressman.
Leviste further claimed that parts of the MOOE allegedly went to the salaries of individuals, including social media trolls.
“Bahagi ng MOOE ay napupunta sa sahod, utilities, at pasilidad ng Kongreso, ngunit kinukwestiyon ko rin ito dahil may bahagi napupunta sa sahod ng mga “consultants”, kabilang ang mga “keyboard warriors” o “social media trolls”–na sila rin ngayong dumedepensa sa MOOE budget ng Kongreso,” Leviste claimed.