Press statement of Sen. Jamby Madrigal

As a matter of principle, I voted No to the bill increasing the allowance of government because I believe our rank and file workers in government deserve more than three thousand pesos. The increase of two thousand pesos will hardly make a dent in their lives. It is small compared to the salaries and other perks being received by appointees of Malacañang in government corporations. It is insulting to our fellow workers. I voted No also because Mrs. Arroyo has arrogated unto herself the powers of congress to suit her interest and to gain propaganda point, when she issued the administrative order granting the one thousand pesos.