THE Philippine Senate’s spending hit P5.587 billion in 2022 compared to P5.039 billion the year before or an increase of P548 million.
The upper chamber’s 2022 financial statements showed Personnel Services, which includes salaries, allowances, and other benefits of officials and employees, went up from P2.63 billion in 2021 to P2.922 billion in 2022 — an uptick of P292 million year on year.
Management disclosure showed the Senate had a total manpower complement of 1,972, counting 947 personnel under the Senate Proper and 1,025 under Secretariat.
Based on the payroll details, there were 743 permanent employees, 950 on co-terminus status, 26 who were elected, 226 casuals, and 27 hired on contractual basis.
On the other hand, the chamber’s operating expenses also climbed from P2.37 billion in 2021 to P2.628 billion in 2022 — a P258 million increase.
The figures were attached to the 2022 annual audit report of the Senate released by the Commission on Audit last May 10. An electronic copy of the report is accessible online at the commission’s official website.
A breakdown of the Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) showed the “Other Maintenance and Operating Expenses” ballooned P181 million year-on-year from P1.272 billion to P1.453 billion.
This item includes representation expenses incurred during meetings and public hearings, printing and publication expenses, donations, subscriptions, and the cost of lease.
Lease for the Senate Building last year was paid to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to the tune of P193.08 million while parking spaces cost the chamber P94.62 million paid to the Social Security System (SSS).
Increases were likewise recorded in Travelling Expenses from P278 million to P315 million or a difference of P37 million; and Confidential, Intelligence, and Extraordinary Expenses from P443 million to P479 million for a P36 million increase.
The Senate attributed the increase in travel spending to the need to catch up on legislative work and related functions that were restricted by health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The increase in Travelling Expenses was due to increase in local and foreign travels incurred by the Senators and their staff, Secretariat officials and other employees in the pursuit of advocacies of the offices of the Senators, attend/conduct conventions, public hearings, events and activities as a result of relaxed rules on health and safety protocols,” the COA said.
