Overview

• Senators' gross monthly salaries will exceed 9 million pesos starting May, with net take-home pay estimated at 6.5–7 million pesos.
• The end of the pay freeze stems from the expiration of decree 27/24 on March 31, 2025, which had linked senators' pay to congressional workers’ wage agreements.
• The new salaries are equivalent to 18–20 minimum pensions with government bonuses, sparking public and political backlash over income disparities.
• Senator José María Carambia pledged to donate part of his salary increase to NGOs and local residents in protest, while others, including Luis Juez, called for continued austerity measures.
• Proposed legislative reforms include capping senators' pay at multiples of minimum pensions and allowing voluntary renunciation of salaries to address public concerns.