Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez —Official Facebook page of the House of Representatives
MANILA, Philippines — Speaker Martin Romualdez promised to more than double the daily subsistence allowance of the Armed Forces of the Philippines when the House of Representatives starts its budget deliberations for 2025.
During the fellowship of House officials with AFP officials in Subic, Zambales, Romualdez said the 300-strong House will include a P15-billion package that would “more than double your P150 subsistence allowance to P350.”
“We are more than doubling your subsistence allowance, and that is in due recognition for the overdue increase that we think you have deserved for a long time. And we saw it fit to do this immediately in the forthcoming budget,” he added.
READ: ‘Sardinas ang ulam’: Senators lament soldiers’ P150 daily subsistence allowance
He said the increase was intended to help the men and women of the AFP to “ensure that you have all you need to do your duty and accomplish your mission, free from the constraints that hamper your ability to defend our shores.”
Also with Romualdez were House appropriations committee chair and Ako Bicol Rep. Elizaldy Co, Zambales Rep. Jefferson Khonghun and Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus Romualdo.
At the same time, the speaker also vowed to ensure that the AFP will have enough funds for 2025 to help them perform their duty to uphold the country’s sovereignty and defend our territorial integrity.
The promised budget increase is part of the House of Representatives’ efforts to strengthen the military and the country’s national defense.
Earlier, the lower chamber also passed two measures: House Bill No. 9713, which institutionalizes a Philippine self-reliant defense posture program, and the recently enacted New Government Procurement Act.
He said the self-reliant defense program “enhances the capability and operational readiness of the troops by developing and producing indigenous defense equipment.”