According to data from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), the House had 3,963 permanent positions in 2020, but only 3,680 were filled. ADVERTISEMENTThe allocations for permanent positions include P1.437 billion for the salaries of the Speaker, 286 congressmen, various directors, chief political officers and legislative staff supervisors, or 692 key positions. Aside from key positions, there are also administrative, support and technical staff, numbering 3,271, with an allocation of P1.529 billion. The Speaker needs to eventually speak up and defend members because he occupies a position that lends itself to wider media mileage and clout compared to ordinary House members,” Franco said. But Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez, the House majority leader, assured that the taxpayer money used by the chamber was worth it.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer December 24, 2020 20:48 UTC