The approval for the increase of the subsistence allowance for military officers and enlisted personnel by President Marcos Jr. was meant to ensure the well-being of troops and not to win them over due to recent political situation, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Monday, March 17.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the adjustment in the military’s subsistence allowance had long been discussed and was approved as part of the General Appropriations Act (GAA) Calendar Year 2025.
“Our continuous efforts to ensure the welfare of our personnel reflects our commitment to strengthening the well-being of our troops, especially those who serve on the frontlines, recognizing the vital role they play in safeguarding our nation,” Padilla said.
The AFP rejected claims of certain sectors that the allowance hike was a “political move and not genuine support” from the government.
Considering the timing of its approval, government critics were claiming that the allowance hike was OK’ed after the military assisted the Marcos administration in arresting former president Rodrigo Duterte and sending him to the International Crimial Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands to face charges of crimes against humanity over his bloody war on drugs.
After being arrested at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) following a trip from Hong Kong last March 11, Duterte was escorted by government forces to the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) Villamor Air Base. A 12-hour standoff ensued between the former leader's camp and law enforcers before he was brought to a government-chartered jet and flown to The Hague.
But all of these had nothing to do with the increase in the subsistence allowance of the troops, according to the AFP.
“Providing adequate support to our personnel has always been a priority, as their strength and readiness directly contribute to national security and resilience,” Padilla pointed out.
Last March 14, Marcos signed Executive Order (EO) 84 which increased the subsistence allowance of military personnel from P150 to P350.
“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, in defending and upholding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the order stated.
The EO said the current subsistence allowance of the military 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.”
The AFP’s subsistence allowance was last adjusted in 2015 pursuant to Congress Joint Resolution No. 5 (s. 2015).
The increase also covers trainees and probationary second lieutenants or ensigns undergoing training, Citizen Military Training cadets, and reservists.
The funds needed to implement the increase will come from the available appropriations for the AFP under the General Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Republic Act No. 12116) and other funding sources identified by the Department of Budget and Management.
The AFP will also include the funding requirements for continuing to implement the increase in its future budget proposals.