In accordance with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to retroactively increase the subsistence allowance (SA) of the officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah “Mina” F. Pangandaman approved the issuance of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) amounting to over P16.890 billion to cover the funding requirements for increasing the SA of military personnel.
The release of funds is prescribed under Executive Order No. 84, which was signed by the President on 14 March 2025.
“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. Kaya’t nagpapasalamat po tayo kay Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa mabilis na pag-apruba ng Executive Order na siyang nagbibigay awtoridad na itaas ang allowance ng ating mga military personnel,” Sec. Mina expressed.
“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)” she added.
Per EO No. 84, the administration has observed that the current SA 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.
Section 1 of the EO states that the SA of officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP, including 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, is thereby increased from P150.00 to P350.00 per day (or P200.00 per day increase), effective 01 January 2025.
According to the AFP, the adjustment in their subsistence allowance os part of their continuous efforts to ensure the welfare of their personnel, and likewise reflects their commitment to strengthening the well-being of their troops, especially those who serve on the frontlines, recognizing the vital role they play in safeguarding our nation.
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.
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