As newly elected officials from the 2025 midterm elections prepare to assume office, public scrutiny shifts to a critical issue: how much are these leaders paid—especially when their salaries are drawn directly from the pockets of Filipino taxpayers?
Recent data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) reveals the standardized salary rates for both national and local officials, shedding light on the cost of leadership in public service.
Paid by the People
Every peso of a government official’s salary is funded by the people, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in public compensation.
Senators and members of the House of Representatives—including district and party-list representatives—fall under Salary Grade 31, earning between ₱293,191 and ₱334,059 per month.
The Senate President and House Speaker, as the top congressional leaders, are assigned Salary Grade 32, with salaries ranging from ₱347,888 to ₱398,686 monthly.
The Cost of Local Leadership
Local executives also receive significant salaries, varying based on the classification of their jurisdiction:
Provincial Governors and City Mayors are both placed under Salary Grade 30, earning between ₱203,200 and ₱226,319 per month.
Municipal Mayors are categorized under Salary Grades 27 to 28, with monthly earnings ranging from ₱142,663 to ₱178,572, depending on their classification (I or II).
These amounts reflect base salaries only and do not include allowances, bonuses, or other benefits that can considerably increase total compensation.
Why Transparency Matters
In a country grappling with poverty, inflation, and calls for more efficient governance, the public has a vested interest in how government funds are spent—especially when it comes to compensating elected officials.
Good governance advocates emphasize that disclosing salary information is not merely about numbers; it’s about building public trust. Citizens have every right to expect that the pay of public servants is justified by ethical leadership, competent performance, and a strong commitment to public welfare.
As these officials step into office, transparency and accountability will remain central to how they are judged—not only by their policies, but by the value they deliver in exchange for the people’s hard-earned money.
