MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has ordered an increase in the subsistence allowance of Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) military personnel.
Based on Executive Order No. 84 released over the weekend, the subsistence allowance will be increased from P150 to P350 per day effective January 1, 2025.
“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,” stated in the EO.
The existing subsistence allowance for military personnel is insufficient to adequately support the daily needs of active-duty soldiers, which is crucial for their health and the effective execution of their responsibilities.
This increase will benefit trainees, probationary second lieutenants or ensigns in military training, Citizen Military Training cadets participating in summer camp, reserve officers, and enlisted reservists engaged in training, assembly, or mobilization tests, as well as members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit and cadets.
The financial resources required to implement this increase will be sourced from the available appropriations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as outlined in the 2025 General Appropriations Act, along with any additional funding sources identified by the Department of Budget and Management.
Furthermore, the AFP will incorporate the funding needs for the ongoing implementation of this increase in its future budget proposals.
This allowance enhancement is intended for AFP officers and enlisted personnel, including trainees and probationary second lieutenants/ensigns in military training, Citizen Military Training cadets in summer camp, reserve officers, and enlisted reservists involved in training and assembly/mobilization tests, as well as members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit and cadets.
The allowance increase will be financed through the available appropriations of the AFP as per the approved 2025 budget and any other funding sources identified by the Department of Budget and Management, in compliance with applicable budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules, and regulations.
“Thereafter, the funding requirements necessary for the continued implementation of this Order shall be included in the budget proposals of the AFP, subject to the usual budget preparation process,” the order read.
Their subsistence allowance was last adjusted in 2015 under Congress Joint Resolution 5 issued in the same year./PN
