DBM OKs release of P16.89B to increase military’s subsistence allowance

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Wednesday announced it has approved the release of P16.890 billion worth of government funds to cover the requirements for the increase in the subsistence allowance of military personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

In a statement, the DBM said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the issuance of the P16.890-billion Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) to implement President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s Executive Order No. 84.

Under EO 84, Marcos ordered that the AFP personnel’s subsistence allowance (SA) to be increased from P150 to P350 per day, effective retroactively beginning January 1, 2025. 

The subsistence allowance increase is for AFP officers and enlisted personnel, as well as trainees and probationary second lieutenants/ensigns undergoing military training, Citizen Military Training cadets on summer camp training and reserve officers and enlisted reservists undergoing training and assembly/mobilization test, Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit, and cadets.

The allowance hike will be charged against the available appropriations of the AFP under the approved 2025 budget and other fund sources that may be identified by the DBM, subject to  relevant budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules and regulations.

"Malaking tulong ito sa pamilya ng ating mga kasundaluhan. Imagine, 2015 pa o isang dekada na po noong huli silang nakatanggap ng pagtaas ng allowance,” said Pangandaman.

(This is a big help for the families of our military personnel. Imagine, it was only in 2015 or a decade ago when they were granted an increase in their allowance.)

"Matagal na pong inaaral ang adjustment sa subsistence allowance ng ating mga military personnel. At masaya po tayo na naipasa po ito sa ating 2025 GAA [General Appropriations Act],” added the Budget chief.

(It has been studied long ago to adjust the subsistence allowance of our military personnel. And we are glad that this was granted under the 2025 GAA.)

Pursuant to EO 84, the administration has observed that the current subsistence allowance of AFP personnel is no longer adequate to meet the daily subsistence of an active-duty soldier, which is essential for their well-being and the performance of their duties.

Thereby, the increase in the SA of the AFP aims to protect and promote their welfare and recognize their sacrifices and perseverance in defending and upholding the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The DBM said the total requirement for the purpose shall be charged against the available Personnel Services (PS) appropriation of concerned agencies under the AFP, such as the Philippine Army, Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy (PN), PN Naval Forces, Philippine Marine Corps, and General Headquarters. —VAL, GMA Integrated News