By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
Koror, Palau – President Surangel Whipps Jr. has introduced a proposal within the Fiscal Year 2026 national budget that seeks to extend the stipend period for former presidents from eight years to a lifetime duration.
.Currently, Palauan law, specifically Palau National Code Title 2 §602, stipulates that former presidents receive a non-taxable yearly stipend equal to 50% of their annual salary for eight years following their term. This stipend is paid in bi-weekly installments.
The stated purpose of this compensation, as outlined in Title 2 §601, is to acknowledge that “Presidents necessarily continue as public figures and are encumbered with considerable burdens and expenses.” The code further asserts that “the Olbiil Era Kelulau recognizes the difficulties faced by former Presidents in securing positions within the private sector appropriate to their stature and the desirability of ensuring that chief executives will not be placed in a position of potential conflict of interest by having to seek employment during their last days in office.”
A similar unsuccessful attempt was made in 2022 by Senators Stevenson Kuartei and Imrur Remengesau to increase the stipend duration to 16 years. Their 2022 bill contended that “former Presidents have their career opportunities restricted by their continued commitment to public service. Because they implicitly represent the Republic, even after leaving office, they are unable to take any position or opportunity that would reflect poorly on that representation.”
Palau currently has two living former presidents: President Remengesau and President Toribiong. Both former presidents’compensation have ceased in accordance with the 8 years limitation.
President’s Whipps proposed FY2026 budget allocates $99,000 for presidential stipends.