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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider House committed to 'well-cared for' military; cites huge increase in budget

House committed to 'well-cared for' military; cites huge increase in budget

Published Feb 7, 2024 11:55 am

At A Glance

  • Consistent with the vision of President Marcos, House Speaker Martin Romualdez has guaranteed that the House of Representatives is committed to a modern and well-equipped military that can defend the country from internal and external threats.

Romualdez with soldiers.jpgHouse Speaker Martin Romualdez during the Mindanao leg of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-House of Representatives fellowship (Speaker's Office)

 

 

 

 

 

Consistent with the vision of President Marcos, House Speaker Martin Romualdez has guaranteed that the House of Representatives is committed to a modern and well-equipped military that can defend the country from internal and external threats.

“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,” Romualdez said during the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and House of Representatives fellowship in Cagayan de Oro City on Wednesday, Feb. 7. 

This came after Congress legislated a significant increase for the defense budget in the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), specifically to P285 billion from the from the previous year's P203 billion.

This funding includes the realigned P1.23 billion from several government agencies for “front-liners to maintain a credible posture in defending our rights, particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS)”.

Of the reallocated funds, P300 million went to the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), P100 million to the National Security Council, and P381.3 million to the Department of Transportation (DOT) for the expansion of the airport in Pag-asa Island in the WPS.

P650 million of the realigned P1.23 billion came from the controversial confidential funds of the Office of the Vice President (OVP) and the Department of Education (DepEd). Both agencies are under Vice President Sara Duterte.

“The steadfastness of our uniformed personnel, in protecting our territorial integrity and remaining non-partisan amidst political noise, is truly commendable,” Romualdez underscored. “Your unwavering duty as sentinels of our sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea and beyond is a stabilizing force for our nation.”

The Speaker, however, noted that the House’s dedication “extends beyond financial support”.

He cited the passage of House Bill (HB) No. 8969, which seeks to create a sustainable fiscal framework for military pensions; alongside HB Nos. 6517, 11, 7764, and 6375, which demonstrates the lower chamber’s “commitment to enhancing our military's capabilities and welfare” in recognition of “the importance of high morale”.

“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,” Romualdez stressed.

Increasing the soldiers’ base pay, expanding healthcare benefits, initiating new housing and educational programs, and the approval of the MUP (Military and Uniformed Personnel) Pension System Act, which would ensure the financial stability and well-being of uniformed personnel, are among the steps taken by Congress to “improve the lives of our soldiers and their families”.

AFP officers led by Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner and several members of the House attended the Mindanao leg of the fellowship event at the 4th Infantry Division Headquarters in Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental.

Related Tags

Armed Forces of the Philippines 2024 budget House of Representatives Martin Romualdez
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