House Speaker Martin Romualdez (center) gives a snappy salute to Solcom members. (Speaker’s office)

House Speaker Martin Romualdez assured Filipino soldiers that the Marcos administration will seek to more than double their daily subsistence allowance in 2025.

Romualdez had this to say Saturday, Sept. 7 during the House of Representatives-Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) fellowship at Camp Nakar in Lucena City.

Also attending the event were other leaders of the chamber including Deputy Speaker Quezon 2nd district Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez, and Appropriations Committee Chairman Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.

Vice Governor Anacleto Alcala III, Solcom chief Lt. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV, and other military officers were also in attendance.

“Next year, expect to receive a higher daily subsistence allowance from your government. Mula P150 per day, dodoblehin natin ang daily subsistence allowance ninyo. Ang target natin, maitaas natin ito hanggang P350 per day,” Romualdez told the audience.

(From P150 per day, we will double your daily subsistence allowance. Our target is to raise it up to P350 per day.

Upon the instruction of President Marcos, Romualdez, the leader of the 300-plus strong House has said the increase would entail P15 billion in additional funding, which he committed to include in the proppsed P6.352-trillion 2025 national budget that is being scrutinized by his chamber.

Speaker Romualdez said he and his colleagues in the House are aware of the sacrifices of soldiers and their families.

“Hindi man namin masuklian ang lahat ng ito sa ngayon, sisiguruhin ko ang tulong ng gobyerno para mabigyan ng ginhawa ang inyong pamumuhay,” he said.

(We may not be able to repay all of it now, but I will ensure the government’s help in making your lives more comfortable.)

Romualdez pointed out that the House has also passed on third and final reading the bill that will institutionalize a sustainable pension system for veterans and military retirees.

“Additionally, we are pushing for measures to provide quality healthcare and legal assistance for personnel in the lawful performance of their duties,” said the Leyte 1st district congressman.

He said the House likewise remains committed to supporting the AFP Modernization Program, as reflected in House Bill (HB) Nos. 11, 6375, and 7764, to improve the nation’s overall defense posture.

“We are also exploring resources to further strengthen archipelagic defense and international alliances in the face of modern-day security challenges,” he said.

At the same time, the House leader committed funding for areas that have been declared as communist insurgency-free.

“We in the House of Representatives are fully committed to supporting the peace-building efforts in recently cleared areas. To consolidate these gains, I will advocate for more infrastructure and barangay development projects, which are crucial for long-term stability,” he said.

Solcom achievements hailed

Speaker Romualdez also cited the operational achievements of Solcom under the leadership of Lieutenant General Palafox.

“Your success in neutralizing communist terrorists, dismantling guerrilla fronts, and capturing firearms from the enemy is a testament to your dedication and bravery. The surrender of NPA (New People's Army) regulars, along with hundreds of supporters withdrawing from the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines), shows that peace is achievable with perseverance and strategic coordination,” he said.

He said the command is involved not only in eliminating local insurgency but also in patrolling over 15,000 nautical miles and monitoring thousands of vessels in its area of jurisdiction.

“These actions strengthen our resolve in asserting sovereignty over Philippine waters,” he stressed.

He promised Solcom that he would provide additional funds to complete its multi-year infrastructure projects, such as its administrative building and other support facilities.