Gatchalian: Absentee senators not receiving salaries, office funds

MANILA, Philippines — Absentee Senators Ronald dela Rosa, Rodante Marcoleta, Jinggoy Estrada and Loren Legarda are currently not receiving their monthly salaries and office operating funds, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian confirmed yesterday.

Speaking to dzBB, Gatchalian disclosed that Dela Rosa – who has been in hiding from an ICC arrest warrant – was no longer receiving his salary and his office’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).

“He is not receiving salary. And he is also not receiving his MOOE because the MOOE needs his personal signature,” Gatchalian said.

Because the senator’s staff can no longer reach him to have the necessary documents signed, the funding has been officially halted, he added.

Similarly, Estrada and Marcoleta, who recently received suspension orders from the Sandiganbayan, are also cut off from their salaries and MOOE.

While their regular staff continue to receive pay, their consultants do not, Gatchalian said.

However, Gatchalian said the Senate temporarily held the suspension of the two lawmakers in “abeyance” after they sent letters indicating they will file a Motion for Reconsideration before the anti-graft court.

“When they file a motion for reconsideration, it won’t be suspended until their motion becomes final. That was the practice in the past and that is what we will follow now,” he said.

Meanwhile, Legarda has also been without her salary and MOOE for about three months due to her extended sick leave.

Gatchalian stated that Legarda has been extending her sick leave on a weekly basis and has been unable to personally sign her office’s financial documents.

Asked if there is a timeline for Legarda’s return to the chamber, he said: “At least from my end, I did not receive that info and she is not saying anything.”