Marcos hikes AFP subsistence allowance

MANILA, Philippines — The subsistence allowance of soldiers will be more than doubled, as President Marcos issued an executive order (EO) raising the benefit from P150 to P350.

Signed on March 14 by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by authority of Marcos, EO 84 covers officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including trainees and probationary second lieutenants and ensigns undergoing training, Citizen Military Training cadets on summer camp training, reservists undergoing training and assembly or mobilization test, Citizen Armed Force Geographic Unit and cadets.

The subsistence allowance will retroactively increase from P150 to P350 starting from Jan. 1, 2025.

“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 EO read.

“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,” it added.

The order noted that the military’s subsistence allowance was last adjusted in 2015 pursuant to Congress Joint Resolution No. 5. The defense and budget departments had recommended the upward adjustment of all AFP officers and enlisted personnel.

The amounts needed to implement the increase will be sourced from the available appropriations for the AFP under this year’s national budget and other funding sources that the budget department may identify.

The AFP will also include in its future budget proposals the funding requirements needed to continue implementing the upward adjustment in the soldiers’ subsistence allowance.

The order will take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Speculations

Some social media users speculated that Marcos’ decision to hike the military’s subsistence allowance has something to do with the arrest of former president Rodrigo Duterte for alleged crimes against humanity last Tuesday.

They questioned the timing of the announcement and claimed that the President was trying to prevent unrest within the armed forces.

Malacañang has yet to react to the claim, but military and police officials have denied the allegation, saying soldiers and police are professionals focused on performing their mandates.

‘Soldiers will not be neglected’

Speaker Martin Romualdez hailed the approval of EO 84 and said in a statement, “This is a well-deserved increase for our brave and dedicated 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.”

It was Romualdez who pushed for the additional subsistence allowance under the 2025 national budget.

He said the adjustment aligned with the administration’s goal of uplifting the morale of uniformed personnel, ensuring they receive adequate support for their daily needs.

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

“This is not the last step. We will continue to push for programs that would give our soldiers… better lives through additional benefits in health, housing and assistance for their families,” the Speaker said.

Romualdez reiterated that the House of Representatives will continue working closely with President Marcos and relevant agencies to ensure that the needs of the AFP are consistently met.

“Under the Bagong Pilipinas, we will make sure that our soldiers are not neglected. Your services will not be forgotten and the government will continue to give support that you deserve,” Romualdez said.