AFP gets 130% increase in subsistence allowance
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR SERVICE Commandos, often tasked with high-risk but unheralded operations, salute during a pass-in review. —Inquirer file photo
MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos has more than doubled the daily subsistence allowances of military personnel, which was last increased in 2015, or 10 years ago.
Under Executive Order No. 84, which the President signed on Friday, each member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will now get P350 in daily subsistence allowance, or a 133 percent increase from their current daily allotment of P150.
“It has been observed that the current subsistence allowance of AFP personnel is no longer adequate to meet the daily sustenance of an active-duty soldier, which is essential for their well-being and performance of their duties,” read a portion of the President’s order, which Malacañang released to the media on Saturday.
“It is imperative to increase the subsistence allowance of all officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP to protect and promote their welfare, in recognition of their sacrifices and perseverance, [and] in defending and upholding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” it added.
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Besides the regular active members of the military, the additional benefit also covered those still undergoing military training and personnel of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit.
Propaganda claims
The additional pay for soldiers came following claims on various social media platforms, mostly from supporters of former President Rodrigo Duterte and his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte, of a massive mass resignation of security personnel.
The claims emerged after the government surrendered the former president to the International Criminal Court in the Netherlands to face prosecution for crimes against humanity.
Malacañang, the Philippine National Police and the AFP have dismissed such claims, with Palace press officer Claire Castro describing the allegations as part of a propaganda to spur support for the disgraced former leader.
The commander in chief said the Department of National Defense and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had endorsed the adjustment in the AFP’s subsistence allowance, which was last increased 10 years ago.
Retroactive to Jan. 1
As contained under the presidential order, the additional benefit will be retroactively implemented starting Jan. 1 this year.
The President said the amount needed for the adjustment in the subsistence pay of soldiers would come from the AFP’s approved budget for this year and other sources to be identified by DBM.
“Thereafter, the funding requirements necessary for the continued implementation of this order shall be included in the budget proposals of the AFP, subject to the usual budget preparation process,” Marcos said.
