Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. topped the pay rankings among members of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Cabinet last year, drawing a total net compensation of P6.66 million, according to data released by the Commission on Audit.
The figure reflects a steady upward trend in Solidum’s annual earnings. His 2025 net pay exceeded his 2024 compensation of P6.38 million and his 2023 income of P6.06 million — all sourced exclusively from his role as DOST secretary.
The COA’s 2025 Report on Salaries and Allowances showed Solidum’s compensation was composed of P3.51 million in basic salary covering 12 months, P1.623 million in allowances, P1.093 million in bonuses, incentives, and benefits, P264,000 in discretionary and miscellaneous expenses, P24,000 in additional compensation and honorarium, and a prior years’ adjustment of P137,119.55.
Notably, Solidum received no additional pay despite sitting as a board member of several government bodies, including TESDA, the Philippine Coconut Authority, the National Dairy Authority, the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, and the Philippine Science High School System.
Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla, who served as justice secretary for the first ten months of 2025 before assuming his current post in October, ranked second with a net pay of P5.97 million. His earnings combined P2.93 million in basic salary as DOJ chief with P1.929 million from his transition into the Office of the Ombudsman, where he drew no basic salary but received P1.269 million in allowances and P659,716 in bonuses and benefits.
Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma placed third at P5.96 million, while Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian came in fourth with P5.49 million.
The remaining spots in the top ten were occupied by TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez (P5.378 million), Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel (P5.202 million), Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa (P5.163 million), Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III (P5.147 million), Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro (P4.98 million), and National Security Adviser Eduardo Año (P4.971 million).
