The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has released around PHP783.28 million for the 2023 Performance-Based Bonus (PBB) of members of the Philippine Navy (PN), the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA).
In a statement Tuesday, the DBM said the funds were released to the three agencies through separate Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs).
About PHP421.985 million of the total funds released through the issuance of SARO on Oct. 17 is intended to cover the PBB of 25,821 qualified PN officials and employees, the DBM said.
Eligible PN officials and employees will each receive a PBB equivalent to 48.75 percent of their respective monthly basic salaries as of Dec. 31, 2023.
“The grant also considers officials and employees belonging to the First, Second, and Third Levels who received at least a ‘Very Satisfactory’ rating based on the agency’s Civil Service Commission-approved Strategic Performance and Management System or the requirements prescribed by the Career Executive Service Board,” the DBM said.
The DBM, meanwhile, issued a SARO on Oct. 14 for the release of PHP342.467 million to cover the funding requirements for the 2023 PBB of 19,803 qualified PAF personnel.
Eligible PAF officials and employees will each receive a PBB equivalent to 52 percent of their respective monthly basic salaries as of Dec. 31, 2023.
The DBM also released PHP18.828 million to NICA on Oct. 9 to cover the agency’s 2023 PBB, benefitting 896 qualified officials and employees, who will receive a PBB equivalent to 52 percent of their basic salaries as of Dec. 21, 2023.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the release of the 2023 PBB is more than just a financial incentive, stressing that “it is a humble token of gratitude to the men and women in uniform who serve the nation with courage and dedication.”
“The approval of the 2023 PBB is an affirmation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s support and appreciation for the members of the PN, PAF, and NICA — agencies that continue to protect the Filipino people from threats, which oftentimes come with great risk and sacrifice,” she said.
“Our soldiers and intelligence personnel give their blood, sweat, and sometimes even their lives to protect the Filipino people. The PBB may be a small thing compared to the magnitude of their sacrifices, but it is our way of recognizing their heroism and commitment to the nation,” Pangandaman added.
Prior to these latest fund releases for the 2023 PBB of the PN, PAF and NICA, the DBM approved the release of PHP1.64 billion for the payment of the 2023 PBB of 110,688 qualified officials and employees of the Philippine Army, and PHP3.39 billion for over 225,000 personnel of the Philippine National Police. (PNA)