President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has raised the daily subsistence allowance of all officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) from PHP150 to PHP350.

Under Executive Order (EO) 84, signed by Marcos on March 14 and made public on Saturday, the PHP200 increase will be given retroactively beginning Jan. 1, 2025.

“It is imperative to increase the Subsistence Allowance of all Officers and Enlisted Personnel of the AFP to protect and promote their welfare, in recognition of their sacrifices and perseverance, in defending and upholding the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity,” EO 84 read.

Their subsistence allowance was last adjusted in 2015 under Congress Joint Resolution 5 issued in the same year.

According to EO 84, the current subsistence allowance of the military is “no longer adequate to meet the daily sustenance of an active-duty soldier, which is essential for their well-being and performance of their duties.”

The increase will benefit the trainees and probationary 2nd lieutenants or ensigns undergoing military training, Citizen Military Training cadets on summer camp training and reserve officers, and enlisted reservists undergoing training and assembly or mobilization test, Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit, and cadets.

The funds needed to implement the increase will come from the available appropriations of the AFP under the 2025 General Appropriations Act and other funding sources that may be identified by the Department of Budget and Management.

The AFP will also include the funding requirements for the continued implementation of the increase in its future budget proposals.

EO 84 takes effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation. (PNA)