By Brian Campued
In recognition of their important role in disaster response and national security, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. announced the increase in the base pay and subsistence allowance of all military and uniformed personnel (MUP) starting 2026.
In a video statement on Wednesday, Marcos stressed that cops and soldiers continue to perform their sworn duties in the service of the Filipino and the nation, even when it involves threats to their safety.
“Ang ating MUP ang unang sumasagot sa tawag ng tungkulin kahit kaakibat nito ang mga banta sa kanilang kaligtasan,” the President said.
“Sa lupa, tubig, o himpapawid, hindi kayo nagdadalawang-isip na magsakripisyo ng inyong kaligtasan para sa kapakanan ng bawat Pilipino.”
This will be implemented in three tranches: Jan. 1, 2026; Jan. 1, 2027; and Jan. 1, 2028.
According to the Chief Executive, the base pay hike covers all MUP from the Department of National Defense, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Corrections, and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.
In addition to this, Marcos said that all MUP will soon receive P350 daily subsistence allowance (SA) starting next year.
To recall, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) had approved the issuance of funding for the increased SA for military personnel in March 2025, effective retroactively beginning Jan. 1, 2025.
“Naniniwala ang administrasyong ito na ang mga nagtatanggol sa bayan ay nararapat ding protektahan ng pamahalaan,” the President emphasized.
“Makatarungang sahod at sapat na suporta, ito ang handog ng sambayanan sa ating mga tagapagtanggol.”
In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed the announcement and thanked the President for his continued trust and support to the AFP personnel and other members of uniformed services.
“This support will not only uplift the morale of our troops but also strengthen our commitment to perform our duties with professionalism, integrity, and faithful service to the nation,” AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla said. (with report from Patrick de Jesus / PTV News)
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