Navotas City Lone District Representative Toby Tiangco refuted claims that lawmakers received a ₱2-million “Christmas bonus,” clarifying that the funds are long-standing Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) released during congressional breaks to cover higher district costs.
“Pag nagbe-break, mas malaki yung gastos mo sa distrito. So yung MOOE kasi na binibigay sa amin monthly is for district office operations yun,” Tiangco explained, after Batangas 1st District Representative Leandro Leviste alleged that House members were given holiday funding.
Tiangco said lawmakers spend more time in their districts during recess, leading to higher expenses.
“Pag may session, three times a week or four times a week, nasa Kongreso ka. Two to three times a week, nasa distrito ka—lalong-lalong na kung nasa probinsya ka. Pero kung break, nakababad ka dun sa distrito mo. So, mas marami kang kailangan na panggastos,” he added.
He noted Congress has three breaks each year: Undas and Holy Week, with about ₱1.5 million each, and Christmas, “supposedly ₱2 million,” though he said he has not claimed it.
Tiangco stressed that break MOOE should be released without discretion.
“Kung yung monthly, walang pili… yung break, wala din pili. Dapat walang pili,” he said, but admitted discretion could occur.
“Eh kasi nangyari sa akin yan noong 2025. So pwedeng gawing discretionary.”
Rejecting suggestions of informal distribution, Tiangco emphasized the funds are documented and audited.
“Naka-voucher yan at may cheque yan. Hindi ‘yan cash na binibigay sa amin. All cheques,” he said, adding he has never heard of adverse audit findings.
“So kaya nga, kung gusto mong tignan yung records, pwede naman ipakita ng Kongreso yung records. And ako, I have no objection. Mas maganda nga kung pakita nila kung magkano talaga yung natatanggap namin kasi naka-voucher naman yan at naka-cheque,” he concluded.