Navotas City Lone District Representative Toby Tiangco confirmed that lawmakers have long received allowances during congressional breaks, stressing the practice is not new and predates the current administration.
Speaking in a television interview, Tiangco said the allowance is separate from salaries and Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE).
“This is not new, this is not a new invention. Simula noong ako ay naging congressman noong 2010 meron na yan. Sa lahat ng administrasyon,” he said.
Tiangco, who served in the House from 2010 to 2019 and returned in 2022, acknowledged allowances are typically given during breaks such as Undas, Christmas, and Holy Week.
He rejected labeling them as “Christmas bonuses,” saying, “Yung Christmas bonus, hindi ko alam kung tinatawag nilang Christmas bonus yan pero again, every since naging congressman ako every time magbi-break merong ano yan, hindi bonus ang tawag eh. Hindi ko alam kung anong tawag nila dun eh.”
He clarified he did not receive the alleged ₱2 million allowance during the recent Christmas break, noting he also missed allowances in February 2025, which coincided with the impeachment complaint against Vice President Sara Duterte.
“Dapat yun regular eh. Whether pumirma ka sa impeachment o hindi dahil break noon ng February 5 dapat meron. But I did not make a big fuss out of it anymore. Bakit papalakihin pa yun,” he said.
Tiangco recalled receiving ₱1.5 million during the Undas break after signing a voucher, but said he has yet to receive anything for Christmas.
He urged House leaders to ensure transparency in the distribution of allowances and other funds to lawmakers.