Undas, Christmas, Holy Week: Inside the Lawmakers’ Controversial ‘Break Bonus’
BREAK BONUS – A supposed “Christmas bonus” for lawmakers has sparked public debate after a congressman confirmed that House members regularly receive millions of pesos whenever Congress goes on break.
Navotas Representative Toby Tiangco has revealed that members of the House of Representatives regularly receive millions of pesos in so-called “break allowances” whenever Congress goes on recess, stressing that the practice is not new and has been in place for years.
The issue gained renewed attention after questions were raised about an alleged “Christmas bonus” for lawmakers. Reacting to this, Tiangco dismissed the idea that the funds were a recent development. “Christmas bonus?” he remarked, before explaining that such allocations have long existed.
Photo Source: The Filipino Times
“It’s nothing new,” Tiangco said, as he disclosed that lawmakers are given substantial allowances every time Congress goes on break. “Ever since I became a congressman (in 2010), there is already this break bonus,”
“The explanation for that is that you will spend most of your time in your district, you will have funds for expenses.”
According to Tiangco, these “break allowances” are released during congressional recesses such as Undas, Christmas, and the Holy Week. He emphasized that these funds are separate from the regular monthly allocation for maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) that each member of Congress already receives.
“When did it start? I don’t know… There is the monthly MOOE, there is the break allowance… ever since I started in 2010,”
Tiangco revealed, underscoring how long the system has been in place.
Tiangco also explained the process for receiving the allowance, noting that lawmakers are required to sign a voucher to release the checks. However, he pointed out that there are no specific requirements for liquidation tied to these funds.
While he said he has not yet received his allowance for the Christmas break, Tiangco confirmed that he previously received P1.5 million during the Undas or All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day break.
Photo Source: @toby.tiangco IG
Earlier, Batangas Representative
Leandro Leviste questioned the release of a reported P2-million
“Christmas bonus”
for lawmakers
, prompting further scrutiny from the public. In response, some congressmen clarified that the funds are not personal bonuses but allocations intended to cover expenses in their respective districts.
Despite these explanations, Tiangco called on the leadership of the House of Representatives to be open about the matter.
“My call to the House is, let’s be transparent about it… I don’t know why we can’t be transparent about this,”
he said, stressing the need for clarity to address public concerns.