Philippine Army soldiers stand at attention during the celebration of the 126th Philippine Army founding anniversary in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on March 22, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s approval of the hike in the subsistence allowance of military officers and enlisted personnel.

"The adjustment in our subsistence allowance has long been discussed and was approved as part of the GAA CY 2025,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla told reporters in a message.

Marcos Jr. raises troops' daily subsistence allowance to P350 from P150

“Our continuous efforts to ensure the welfare of our personnel reflects our commitment to strengthening the well-being of our troops, especially those who serve on the frontlines, recognizing the vital role they play in safeguarding our nation,” she added.

Padilla said providing adequate support to military personnel has always been a priority of the AFP, emphasizing that troops’ strength and readiness directly contribute to national security and resilience.

Marcos on March 14 signed Executive Oder 84, which increased the daily subsistence allowance of military personnel from P150 to P350.

The adjustment will be retroactively applied starting January 1, 2025.

The increase also covers trainees and probationary second lieutenants or ensigns undergoing training, Citizen Military Training cadets, and reservists. 

The EO said boosting the AFP’s subsistence allowance was needed to “protect and promote their (soldiers') welfare in recognition of their sacrifices and perseverance, in defending and upholding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

The order noted that the subsistence allowance of AFP personnel, which was last adjusted in 2005, was “no longer adequate to meet the daily sustenance of an active-duty soldier.”

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