Clarifying Singson’s compensation package

This refers to the news article titled “Del Rosario highest paid in the Cabinet” (Inquirer, 11/25/12) written by Cynthia D. Balana, citing among others: “Placing third was Public Works Secretary Rogelio Singson who was paid P2.216 million, including discretionary funds and EMEs [extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses] amounting to P308,280.05.”

For purposes of clarification, in 2011, I received a total of P2,064,698.66, inclusive of P905,393 as annual salary and the remaining amount as payment for various allowances and expenses such as personnel economic relief, representation, clothing, productivity, bonus, collective negotiation agreement, productivity enhancement incentive, extraordinary and miscellaneous expenses (EME),

including my expenses for official local and foreign travels.

Please note that in 2011, my monthly salary was P75,499.42 a month; while for 2012 with the last tranche of salary standardization law, my monthly salary increased to P84,864.50.

The Comptrollership and Financial Management Service of the Department of Public Works and Highways has issued a certification on the breakdown of salaries and other benefits I received as public works secretary from 2011 to  2012, for ready reference. I hope that I have clarified the matter.

—ROGELIO L. SINGSON, secretary,

Department of Public Works and Highways