House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Friday vowed that the House of Representatives would raise the daily subsistence allowance of the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from PHP150 to PHP350 under the proposed national budget for 2025.

He said next year’s spending plan would include a PHP15-billion package that more than doubles the daily subsistence allowance for soldiers.

He made the announcement during the fellowship of the House officials with AFP officers led by Deputy Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Charlton Sean Gaerlan on behalf of AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Romeo Brawner Jr., at the Naval Operating Base in Subic, Zambales.

“We are more than doubling your subsistence allowance, and that is in due recognition for the overdue increase that we think you have deserved for a long time. And we saw it fit to do this immediately in the forthcoming budget,” he said.

He said increasing the subsistence allowance reflects the House’s commitment to meeting the needs of the soldiers and their families.

“Know that the House of Representatives recognizes the enormity of the problem and is taking concrete steps to ensure that you have all you need to do your duty and accomplish your mission, free from the constraints that hamper your ability to defend our shores,” he told AFP officers and personnel.

He said soldiers are the most important component of the Philippines’ national defense, noting that the House pushed for the passage of a sustainable fiscal framework for the pension system of military personnel.

Romualdez also reiterated his promise to support the AFP with enough funds to help them perform their duty of upholding the country’s sovereignty and defending its territorial integrity. (PNA)

Photo credit: Facebook/armedforcesofthephilippines