President Marcos has increased the subsistence allowance for officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from P150 to P350, ensuring better financial support for their daily needs.

Executive Order (EO) No. 84, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on March 14, takes effect immediately.

Based on the EO, the increase also covers trainees, probationary second lieutenants/ensigns, Citizen Military Training cadets, reserved officers and enlisted reservists, and other related personnel.

In issuing the EO, President Marcos cited the need to increase the subsistence allowance as the last adjustment was in 2015 under Congress Joint Resolution No. 5, and the initial amount of P150 was no longer enough.

"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," the President said.

The move likewise aims to improve soldiers' welfare and recognize their sacrifices in defending the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Based on the EO, the funds for the increase will be sourced from available appropriations of the AFP under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) for the Fiscal Year 2025.

Additional funding sources may be identified by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) as needed.