DOST chief Solidum receives highest salary among Cabinet members in 2025 – COA report

Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. has received the highest amount of salary and allowances among Cabinet members last year.

According to Commission on Audit’s 2025 Report on Salaries and Allowances, Solidum has received at P6.66-million.

A breakdown of his compensation from his post: P3.53-million basic pay, P1.62-million allowances, P1.09-million bonuses -incentives and benefits, and P264,000 in discretionary expenses.

Solidum also sits in the governing bodies of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions, the Philippine Coconut Authority, the Philippine Science High School System, and the National Dairy Industry but does not receive pay for these duties.

Before becoming DOST chief, he previously served as director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) where he played key role in strengthening the country’s monitoring and warning systems for volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and tsunamis.

Meanwhile, here’s a list of 20 top earners among Cabinet members in 2025:

1. Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. – P6.66 million
2. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla  – P5.976 million
3. Labor Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma – P5.966 million
4. Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian – P5.494 million
5. TESDA Secretary Jose Francisco Benitez – P5.378 million
6. Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel P5.202 million
7. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa – P5.163 million
8. Agrarian Reform Secretary Conrado Estrella III – P5.147 million
9. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. – P4.98 million
10. National Security Adviser Eduardo Año – P4.971 million
11. Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. – P4.97 million
12. Presidential Adviser for Poverty Alleviation Lorenzo Gadon – P4.953 million
13. Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco – P4.918 million
14. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin – P4.917 million
15. Presidential Assistant for Eastern Mindanao Leo Magno – P4.917 million
16. Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan – P4.882 million
17. Trade Secretary Ma. Cristine Aldeguer-Roque – P4.857 million
18. Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac – P4.836 million
19. Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Jose Acuzar – P4.834 million
20. Education Secretary Juan Edgardo Angara – P4.787 million

COA has said that the report is geared to monitor the compensation, allowances, and benefits received by government officials, including those holding multiple positions across agencies. #

Sources: GMA News, Rappler, Daily Tribune