Army troops get 3-day leave credits

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Army has paid its personnel three days’ leave credits, an official said yesterday.

Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said officers received P5, 505.38 to P11,032.99 while enlisted personnel got P2,511.55 to P4,980.84. The amount was based on the basic pay and longevity pay of military personnel.

Soldiers are entitled to 30-day leave credits per year that are convertible to cash when unused. These leave credits may be claimed upon retirement.

Cabunoc said Armed For­ces chief Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa had ordered the distribution of the cash benefits to soldiers.

“This is in compliance to a directive from the general headquarters last Jan. 2, which states that all military personnel can be granted a maximum of five days commutation of leave for 2011 unless he executes a written notice waiving his interest for this claim,” he said.

However, Cabunoc said they have funds to cover only the three days of leave credits.

“This is not a disadvantage to the soldiers because they can still claim all their leave commutation by the time they retire from the service. The more leave balance that you have, the more money that you can receive upon retirement,” he said.

“Well-motivated soldiers are the ones who can focus on performing their hazardous duties especially those who are assigned in conflict areas. We will always ensure that they receive the benefits and entitlements that are due them,” he added.