Congress Allocates P17 Billion for Soldiers’ Subsistence in 2025 Budget

In a move to bolster the welfare of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Congress has greenlit a P17 billion allocation in the 2025 national budget specifically for soldiers’ subsistence allowance. House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan announced this significant financial commitment on December 18, 2024, highlighting that the monthly allowance for each soldier will now stand at P10,500. This decision marks a 133% increase in the daily subsistence rate, jumping from P150 to P350, a change largely driven by Speaker Martin Romualdez’s efforts in both the House and Senate. Libanan emphasized that this increase is part of a broader strategy to invest in the well-being of the nation’s over 165,000 military personnel, who are pivotal to national defense. Alongside this, the government continues to allocate around P30 billion annually to enhance the military’s equipment and systems under the revised AFP modernization program. The subsistence allowance, primarily intended for food and meal expenses, is just one component of a comprehensive financial support package for soldiers. This package also includes allowances for clothing, laundry, quarters, and economic relief, as well as various bonuses and incentives such as longevity pay, mid-year and year-end bonuses, and performance-based rewards. Additionally, certain soldiers receive extra compensation for hazardous duties, hardship, and combat, reflecting the diverse needs and challenges faced by military personnel.