Top-tier Philippine leaders may soon face salary deductions for unexplained absences if a newly proposed measure by Senator Erwin Tulfo becomes law.
The draft legislation seeks to enforce a strict “no work, no pay” rule on the highest echelons of government, including the president, vice president, senators, members of the House of Representatives, cabinet secretaries, and heads of various state agencies.
Tulfo highlighted the unfair disparity between regular government workers and high-ranking officials when it comes to accountability and compensation:
“It’s embarrassing that our staff or ordinary government employees don’t get paid when they are absent without prior notice, but we officials still get paid even if we are absent for weeks or months?”
Beyond basic salaries, the bill also targets the suspension of allowances for officials who skip their duties without an approved leave of absence.
Tulfo noted that a culture of impunity has shielded powerful figures from facing consequences for chronic absenteeism.
“It has become a habit, and no one calls it out even if someone is absent but still receiving a salary. Because they are high-ranking officials, who would dare call us out, right?”
He maintained that the standard for public service must be uniform, regardless of an individual’s rank:
“It should be equal—whether you are an ordinary employee or a high-ranking official, it should be no work, no pay for everyone.”
This legislative push arrives amid renewed scrutiny over attendance protocols within the Senate. The Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges previously sought an explanation from Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa regarding a prolonged six-month absence, during which he reportedly continued to receive his full salary.
In contrast, Tulfo commended Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who voluntarily requested the suspension of his own pay while addressing legal battles.
Estrada is currently facing plunder and graft charges connected to an alleged ₱573-million flood control kickback scheme.
“I salute Senator Jinggoy because even though he hasn’t been convicted yet, since he can no longer attend Senate hearings, he took the initiative and said he should no longer be paid. That is the right thing to do,” Tulfo said.