By Darryl John Esguerra | Philippine News Agency
The Marcos Jr. administration has allocated more than P4 billion to fund over 10,000 new military and uniformed personnel (MUP) positions this year, alongside the allocation of the first tranche of base pay increases amounting to P21.7 billion, Malacañang said Wednesday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the welfare of soldiers, police officers and other uniformed personnel remains a priority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., as reflected in the 2026 national budget.
Castro said the government has earmarked P4.06 billion for the creation of 10,077 additional military and uniformed positions across various government agencies in 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen public safety and national security.
She also said salary increases and higher subsistence allowances for MUPs will continue, stressing that these adjustments recognize their sacrifices and service to the country.
“Ang adjustments ay bahagi ng pagkilala ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. sa ating military at uniformed personnel sa kanilang kabayanihan… at sa kanilang sakripisyo para sa bayan,” Castro said.
Acting Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo said the 2026 budget sends a clear message of support to uniformed personnel, noting that the first tranche of base pay increases under Executive Order No. 107 will begin this year.
Toledo added that the subsistence allowance for MUPs will increase to P350 per day starting Jan. 1, 2026, backed by a total allocation of P71.1 billion to ensure its sustainability.
Under the 2026 budget, the additional 10,077 positions include 1,358 for the Armed Forces of the Philippines; 2,000 for the Philippine National Police; 2,000 each for the Bureau of Fire Protection and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology; 1,000 for the Bureau of Corrections; and 1,790 for the Philippine Coast Guard.
“These positions are not just numbers. They are additional hands, strength, and protection for the nation,” Toledo said.
