Politics · Philippines Bureau
Absent senators voluntarily forgo salaries during leave periods
Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian announced that lawmakers absent from the chamber due to medical leave, detention or other circumstances have agreed to waive their compensation. The voluntary measure underscores accountability among members taking extended time away from legislative duties.
LSN Philippines ·
MANILA — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian disclosed Thursday that absent senators have voluntarily agreed to forgo their salaries while away from the chamber due to medical leave, detention, or other circumstances.
Gatchalian cited Senator Loren Legarda as an example, noting she has waived her salary since taking medical leave beginning August 3. The Senate president indicated the arrangement applies broadly to members unable to perform their legislative duties for extended periods.
The voluntary measure reflects an apparent policy among the upper chamber to ensure senators do not receive compensation during absences, regardless of the reason. Gatchalian's statement suggests the practice has become an understood arrangement rather than a formal institutional requirement.
The disclosure comes as the Senate balances operational demands with the need to accommodate lawmakers facing health challenges or other obligations that prevent regular attendance. The voluntary salary waiver system appears designed to address public expectations regarding lawmakers' accountability and the relationship between presence and compensation.