MANILA -- The administration of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo failed to curb the excesses by executives of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) regarding fat paychecks, a senator alleged.

Senator Franklin Drilon, chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance that conducted a hearing on the issue Tuesday, said Arroyo neglected her power to control, monitor, and supervise the excessive pay and perks enjoyed by top officials of state firms despite laws and executive issuances.

“It is not proper for these officials to be receiving excessive perks. These funds should not be at their disposal,” Drilon said.

Drilon cited that in 2009 alone, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Administrator Armand Arreza received a total compensation of P26.8 million, that included P100,000 in transportation allowance, P1.8 million in gasoline allowance and P5.7 million in intelligence funds.

Arreza, the "top grosser" in government, also received total compensation, including fat bonuses, of P30.3 million in 2008 and P14.5 million in 2007, Drilon said.

“In the past Malacanang tolerated it. They failed to exercise supervision either deliberately or through neglect,” Drilon said.

The senator is pushing for a proposed legislation that will delegate to the President the authority to fix the compensation packages of government-owned corporations to "stop the abuses" on excessive allowances enjoyed by state executives.

Drilon said that the panel will include in their committee report a law authorizing the Chief Executive to determine a "reasonable" compensation package for government-owned and controlled corporations and government financial institutions. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)