Ex-Pemex director earned more than President Sheinbaum, filings show

Víctor Rodríguez Padilla, the former Director General of Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex), reported earnings in 2025 that exceeded those of President Claudia Sheinbaum. According to his Patrimonial Declaration and Interests, Rodríguez Padilla received a total remuneration of 1,937,882 pesos for his role, surpassing President Sheinbaum Pardo's reported income of 1,791,441 pesos.

This discrepancy raises questions about adherence to Article 127 of the Mexican Constitution, which stipulates that no public servant can receive a salary higher than that established for the President of the Republic. The Federal Law on Remuneration of Public Servants further reinforces this, stating that no public servant bound by the law can earn an amount equal to or greater than the maximum annual remuneration of the President, excluding social security benefits.

In addition to his income, Rodríguez Padilla's declaration also details his assets. Prior to his tenure as Pemex director, in February 2024, he purchased a 90-square-meter apartment for 1.5 million pesos. He also reported owning a 224-square-meter house, bought outright in July 2010 for 1.75 million pesos.

Regarding vehicles, Rodríguez Padilla declared the purchase of a 2013 Honda Odyssey in August 2017 for 454,950 pesos and a Suzuki Grand Vitara in 2016 for 338,800 pesos, both acquired outright. He also reported spending 30,000 pesos on furniture and 40,000 pesos on a computer on September 20, 2024, just before assuming his role at Pemex.

The report comes amid previous statements where Sheinbaum called for "the full force of the law" against Rodríguez, indicating he would not hold another public office. It also follows protests by fishermen against Pemex for alleged pollution and a demonstration by residents outside a refinery.