By Jess Diaz
Philippine Star
This Christmas season will be merrier for the 240 members of the House of Representatives than for the rest of us ordinary mortals.
Members of the chamber went home last night with P200,000 checks in their pockets. They begin their five-week Christmas break today, and resume session on Jan. 21.
There were conflicting claims on what the money is for. Some congressmen said it was their Christmas bonus, while others said it was their budget for their staff and other expenses during the break.
Normally, each House member gets about P250,000 a month for district office staff salaries, travel and other expenses. The amount also includes their basic salary of about P35,000.
Reached for comment about the funds being prepared for distribution yesterday afternoon, Deputy Majority Leader Neptali Gonzales II said he was not aware of it.
“But I sincerely hope there are indeed funds to be distributed. You know, these are not normal times. It’s the Christmas season. Many of our constituents expect us to give them gifts,†he said, adding that they expect to be heavily criticized for it. “Puputaktihin kami bukas once they read this in the papers.â€
He said the bulk of funds released before a recess usually goes to staff salaries and expenses of a congressman in his district.
House officials later clarified that the funds were released “in full transparency and reported to the Commission on Audit.â€
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Topic: P200,000 For Each Philippine Congressman As Christmas Gift (Read 866 times)