House leaders refute Leviste's P2-M 'Christmas bonus' claimsMANILA, Philippines — Three lawmakers have rejected the P2 million “Christmas bonus” that Rep. Leandro Leviste (Batangas, 1st District) claimed each congressman and party-list representative received through the maintenance and other operating expenditure budget. He also said they receive a mid-year bonus, also known as the 14th-month pay. “Parang 'di naman Christmas bonus ang binibigay sa mga kongresista. (It does not appear to be a Christmas bonus given to congressmen. Not a bonus, just for office needsHouse Deputy Speaker Ronaldo Puno also denied that the money disbursed this month was a lawmaker’s Christmas bonus, clarifying it was simply “additional funding” for a district’s needs to celebrate the holiday season.

Source: Philippine Star December 31, 2025 09:32 UTC