Duterte bares untold story behind inclusion of AFP-PNP pay hike in budget

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, in his speech during the 82nd Anniversary Celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines at Camp Emilio Aguinaldo in Quezon City on December 20, 2017, expresses his highest regards for the role of the AFP in safeguarding the Filipinos and securing the country. MARCELINO PASCUA/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

President Rodrigo Duterte would have resigned if the increase in salary of soldiers and the police was not included in the 2018 national budget, at least, according to him.

Duterte announced before the troops on Wednesday that the salary of soldiers and policemen would increase starting January 2018.

“This fulfills my campaign promise of doubling the basic pay kasi nandiyan na sa GAA (General Appropriations Act) ngayon ‘yung increases ninyo for next year,” he said during the 82nd anniversary.

“Take a look at your paycheck sa January and I said this fulfills my campaign promise of doubling the basic pay of our hardworking men and women in uniform, which will take effect on the very first day of 2018,” he added.

The increase in salary of government troops was included in the P62-billion proposed budget increase for military and uniformed personnel in the P3.77-trillion national budget for 2018.

During his speech, Duterte explained to the troops that it would be “a considerable increase” instead of a doubled salary.

“Right at the start of my administration, I promised you guys that I will double your salary,” he said.

“But the problem is there is no such thing as a double na in parity talaga lahat, it’s not allowed by law,” he added.

The President said that he should have resigned if the 2018 budget would not include the salary increase of soldiers and policemen.

He said Sen. Richard Gordon wanted that the money be devoted to infrastructure instead of salary increase.

“They were in a quandary whether to fast track the TRAIN (Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion) or yung pay ninyo and Dick Gordon just wanted that the money part of the Armed Forces appropriation for infrastructure will be spent really for that purpose alone,” he said.

“’Pag hindi niyo inilusot ‘yan, I will resign as a matter of principle. Sinabi ko talaga sa kanya,” he added.

He even said that he also told Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go the same.

“Sabi ko kay Bong Go. “Magkahiyaan tayo dito, pag napihaya ako, I will resign,” he said.