Renato Solidum Jr., the Secretary of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), is the highest-paid official in the Marcos administration for the year 2025, according to the Commission on Audit (COA).
Solidum's total compensation reached P6.66 million, which is P281,000 more than his earnings in 2024. This marks his second consecutive year at the top of the salary ranking among Cabinet members.
His compensation included P3.52 million in basic pay, P1.62 million in allowances, P1.09 million in bonuses and incentives, and P264,000 in discretionary expenses.
Despite his high salary, Solidum does not receive additional pay for his roles in several governing bodies, including the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the National Dairy Industry.
Salary Rankings of Other Cabinet Officials
Following Solidum, the second highest-paid official is former Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, who earned P5.976 million in 2025 after his appointment as Ombudsman later that year.
The complete list of Cabinet salaries for 2025 reveals the following rankings:
1. Renato Solidum Jr. – P6.66 million 2. Jesus Crispin Remulla – P5.976 million 3. Bienvenido Laguesma (Labor) – P5.966 million 4. Rex Gatchalian (Social Welfare) – P5.494 million 5. Jose Francisco Benitez (TESDA) – P5.378 million
Commission on Audit
Several Cabinet members received lower salaries due to resignations or new appointments during the year. Notably, Juan Ponce Enrile passed away in November 2025.
In May 2025, President Marcos accepted the courtesy resignations of some officials, including Environment Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga and others amidst various controversies.