House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Saturday, March 15, hailed President Marcos' move to raise the subsistence allowance of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) personnel from P150 to P350 per day.

Romualdez said it is a "well-deserved increase" for the country's soldiers,  "who tirelessly defend our country."

"It is a concrete manifestation of our commitment to improving their welfare and recognizing their sacrifices for our nation,” Romualdez, who pushed the additional subsistence allowance under the 2025 national budget, said.

The increase, ​which is retroactive from Jan. 1, 2025, was approved by President Marcos Jr. under E​xecutive Order No. 84​.

​It will be funded under the 2025 General Appropriations Act (GAA), which the House of Representatives and the Senate worked to ensure included provisions for the welfare of uniformed personnel.

Romualdez said the adjustment aligns with the administration’s goal of uplifting the morale of uniformed personnel and ensuring that they receive adequate support for their daily needs.

“Natupad na ang ating pangako​... Isa itong malaking hakbang para tiyakin na ang kanilang sakripisyo ay may katumbas na suporta mula sa ating pamahalaan​ (Our promise has already been fulfilled... This is a big step to ensure that their sacrifices have the support of the government),​​" ​he said.

He ​also assured the AFP that this is only the beginning of more initiatives aimed at enhancing the benefits and support for uniformed personnel.