PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently signed Executive Order No. 84, significantly boosting the daily subsistence allowance for all members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Effective January 1, 2025, the allowance will jump from PHP 150 to PHP 350, a substantial increase of PHP 200. This adjustment reflects the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of the nation’s defenders.
The rationale behind this increase is clearly stated within EO 84 itself. It recognizes the immense sacrifices made by AFP personnel in protecting the country’s sovereignty and maintaining national security. The previous allowance increase, implemented in 2015, had not kept pace with the rising cost of living, prompting this necessary adjustment.
This generous increase in daily subsistence allowance will benefit a wide range of AFP personnel. It encompasses active-duty soldiers, those undergoing training, reservists fulfilling their obligations, and even military cadets still in their formative years. The comprehensive nature of this adjustment ensures that all contributing members of the AFP receive the deserved support.
Funding for this initiative will be drawn from the AFP’s 2025 budget, supplemented by additional resources allocated by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM). The AFP will also proactively integrate this increased allowance into their future budget proposals, ensuring its continued provision in subsequent years.
The immediate implementation of EO 84, upon its official publication, underscores the urgency and importance placed on this matter by the administration. This swift action demonstrates a strong commitment to the well-being of the AFP and their vital role in safeguarding the Philippines.
