Speaker Martin Romualdez—Martin Romualdez Facebook Photo
The leadership of the House of Representatives on Wednesday assured the Armed Forces of the Philippines of the chamber’s commitment to a “strong, modern, well-equipped and well-cared for” military.
Addressing the AFP at an event in Cagayan de Oro City, Speaker Martin Romualdez underscored the significant increase in the defense budget this year at P285 billion, from P204 billion in 2023.
The increase, Romualdez noted, included the realignment of P1.23 billion “for front-liners to maintain a credible posture in defending our rights, particularly in the West Philippine Sea.”
Funds were also reallocated, including P300 million to the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, P100 million to the National Security Council and P381.3 million to the Department of Transportation for the expansion of the airport in Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea.
Beyond financial
“Our dedication extends beyond financial support,’’ he added. “Recognizing the importance of high morale, we passed House Bill (No.) 8969, creating a sustainable fiscal framework for military pensions. This, along with various initiatives, such as House Bills 6517, 11, 7764 and 6375, demonstrates our commitment to enhancing our military’s capabilities and welfare.”
HB 6517 seeks to strengthen professionalism and promote the continuity of policies and modernization initiatives in the AFP, while HB 11 calls for the further development of the military’s capability and the fast transformation of the Department of National Defense (DND) and its bureaus.
READ: House to continue supporting AFP modernization — Speaker Romualdez
HB 7764 envisions the establishment of a special defense economic zone inside the government arsenal defense industrial estate in Bataan, while HB 6375 provides for the acquisition of materiel, systems, facilities, integrated military systems and services by the DND and its bureaus.
Romualdez pointed out that through the legislation, Congress is “ensuring a robust defense posture, bolstering our land, air, and naval forces, and supporting peacekeeping missions.”
Pay hike, health care
“These actions reflect our unwavering commitment to national security, territorial integrity and the well-being of our soldiers. The true strength of our defense lies not just in our modernized assets but in the valor of our personnel,” he added.
The Speaker noted that Congress has also taken steps “to improve the lives of our soldiers and their families,” including increasing the soldiers’ base pay, expanding health-care benefits, and initiating new housing and educational programs, and the approval of the Military and Uniformed Personnel Pension System Act, which would ensure the financial stability and well-being of uniformed personnel.
“Our collective efforts symbolize a strong, well-equipped and cared-for military, ready to uphold our sovereignty with honor and integrity. Let us continue to work together for a free, united, peaceful and progressive Philippines,” he said.
The Speaker also commended the military for its “professionalism and dedication” to duty, saying, “The steadfastness of our uniformed personnel, in protecting our territorial integrity and remaining nonpartisan amidst political noise, is truly commendable. Your unwavering duty as sentinels of our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea and beyond is a stabilizing force for our nation.”
Romualdez made the remarks on Wednesday at the headquarters of the 4th Infantry Division headquarters in Cagayan de Oro City, for the Mindanao leg of the military-House fellowship, with several congressmen and AFP personnel led by AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner also in attendance.