DOST Secretary Solidum Highest Paid Cabinet Official in 2025

The Commission on Audit released its 2025 Report on Salaries and Allowances of government officials on May 6. Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. received total compensation of P6.66 million last year. This amount was P281,000 higher than in 2024 and placed him first among Cabinet officials for the second year in a row.

Solidum's pay as DOST chief consisted of P3.52 million in basic pay, P1.62 million in allowances, P1.09 million in bonuses incentives and benefits, and P264,000 in discretionary expenses. He serves on the governing boards of several agencies including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Philippine Coconut Authority but receives no additional pay for those positions.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla ranked second with P5.976 million, an increase of P701,000 from the prior year. He held the justice post for most of 2025 before being appointed Ombudsman in October. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma followed with P5.966 million.

at 6.66, Jesus Crispin Remulla at 5.976, Bienvenido Laguesma at 5.966, Rex Gatchalian at 5.494, Jose Francisco Benitez at 5.378, Francisco Tiu Laurel at 5.202, Teodoro Herbosa at 5.163, Conrado Estrella III at 5.147, Gilberto Teodoro Jr. at 4.98, Eduardo Año at 4.971, Antonio Lagdameo Jr.

at 4.97, Lorenzo Gadon at 4.953, Christina Frasco at 4.918, Lucas Bersamin at 4.917, Leo Magno at 4.917, Arsenio Balisacan at 4.882, Ma. Cristine Aldeguer-Roque at 4.857, Hans Leo Cacdac at 4.836, Jose Acuzar at 4.834, Juan Edgardo Angara at 4.787, Ralph Recto at 4.772, Lope Santos at 4.756, Sabuddin Abdurahim at 4.75, Carlito Galvez Jr.

at 4.713, Jonvic Remulla at 4.672, Shirley Agrupis at 4.584, Sharon Garin at 4.462, Juan Ponce Enrile at 4.338, Amenah Pangandaman at 4.278, Ma. Theresa Lazaro at 4.02, Henry Rhoel Aguda at 3.85, Vince Dizon at 3.709, Manuel Bonoan at 3.19, Dave Gomez at 2.218, and Toni Yulo-Loyzaga at 2.139.

Compensation for several officials was lower because they resigned or were appointed during the year. Juan Ponce Enrile died in November. In May 2025 the government accepted courtesy resignations from several secretaries including those overseeing environment, human settlements and urban development, and foreign affairs.

Replacements took office at various points including in the departments of foreign affairs, finance, transportation and communications. Two officials resigned in November 2025 after their departments were mentioned in allegations related to a flood control investigation.

Their successors assumed the posts shortly afterward.