Lawmaker gives bulk of first salary to workers

MANILA, Philippines — Rep. Eli San Fernando of Kamanggagawa party-list turned over on Friday the bulk of his first salary as congressman to 13 organizers of various workers’ groups in the country, keeping only the equivalent of one month’s minimum wage for himself.

“My promise during the campaign is not only a gimmick. We will fulfill each of the promises the Kamanggagawa party-list made,” San Fernando said.

The official salary grade for a member of the House of Representatives is Salary Grade 31, equivalent to about P300,000 per month. After taxes, the net pay is reduced to around P214,000.