Marcos reiterates commitment to ensure soldiers, cops' welfare

President Ferdinand ''Bongbong'' Marcos Jr. on Wednesday renewed his commitment in ensuring the welfare of the country's uniformed personnel.

This as Marcos met with security officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in Malacañang Palace. 

The President said that the administration would prioritize the daily lives of the military by allotting a budget for their rice subsidy and health care. 

''With an increased 2024 budget for the DND, we're dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our uniformed personnel and their families. This commitment is evident in our support for the Revised AFP Modernization Program and the Pension and Gratuity Fund, ensuring financial stability for military and civilian personnel,'' Marcos said.

''Beyond duty, we prioritize their daily lives. I have approved a specific budget for rice subsidies and Tertiary Health Care at the AFP Medical Center for advanced medical services and overall wellness support,'' he added. 

The President had pushed for “self-regenerating” pension plans for both the police and the military in an effort to avoid a scenario in which funds would be depleted.

To recall, there was a significant increase in the budget of the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines for fiscal year 2024. 

Under the final version of the budget, the DND and the AFP’s budget increased by P8.422 billion, giving them a total of P238.357 billion for this year. 

Security officials led by Presidential Adviser on Military and Police Affairs Secretary Roman Felix from the Office of the President; PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr.; and PNP Acting Deputy Chief for Administration Police Lieutenant General Rhodel Sermonia paid courtesy visit on the President earlier in the day.

Other PNP officials present during the courtesy call on Marcos include Acting Deputy Chief for Operations Police Lieutenant General Michael John Dubria and Chief of Directorial Staff Police Lieutenant General Emmanuel Peralta.

The military was led by AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., Philippine Army Commanding General Lieutenant General Roy Galido, and Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lieutenant General Stephen Parreño.—VAL, GMA Integrated News