Romualdez assures full budget support for AFP under PBBM, including P350 daily allowance for soldiers

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez hosts a courtesy call from 17 generals and senior flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the House of Representatives Tuesday (Dec. 3, 2024). During the meeting, Speaker Romualdez reaffirmed the House’s full support for the AFP, emphasizing provisions for modernization programs, soldiers’ welfare, capacity-building initiatives and  the proposed additional P350 daily allowance for soldiers to improve their living conditions and morale.

‘We always remain loyal to our Constitution’

IN line with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr.’s directive, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Tuesday afternoon reaffirmed the House of Representatives commitment to supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during a courtesy call by 17 generals and senior flag officers at the Speaker’s Office in the House of Representatives. 

The delegation, referred by Camiguin Rep. Jurdin Jesus “JJ” Romualdo, included top-ranking AFP officials who discussed key priorities and challenges faced by the military.

In his address, Speaker Romualdez emphasized the importance of providing adequate resources for the AFP to safeguard national security and maintain peace and order. 

He assured the officers of his unwavering support for initiatives that enhance the welfare of military personnel, including his proposal for an additional P350 daily subsistence allowance for soldiers as part of the Marcos administration’s commitment to improving the living conditions of those in uniform.

“Our soldiers are the backbone of our nation’s security and defense. We must ensure they have the resources they need to serve with honor and dedication,” Speaker Romualdez said. 

“The House of Representatives will continue to work closely with the AFP leadership to address pressing concerns, including adequate funding for operations, modernization efforts, and the welfare of our men and women in uniform,”

the Speaker said. 

The AFP delegation expressed gratitude for the Speaker’s proactive efforts in championing legislative measures that support the military, particularly in ensuring sufficient budget allocations for its modernization program and personnel welfare initiatives.

“We are very happy na binigyan kami ng time ng ating honorable congressmen led by the Speaker of the House, Congressman Martin Romualdez. We are delighted that he spent a precious time for us to meet the newly-promoted generals and flag ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Lt. Gen. Jimmy D. Larida, Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief of Staff, said.        

“The Speaker of the House reiterated the commitment, and on behalf of our Chief of Staff, Gen. Romeo S. Brawner Jr., and the entire grateful members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we are very, very thankful sa confirmation na ibinigay po sa atin ng Speaker ng House, that they will provide the promised increase of our subsistence allowance,” Larida said. 

“The Speaker also reiterated the House of Representatives’ commitment to the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Maraming salamat po sa ating Speaker of the House and again, on behalf of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, we always remain loyal to our Constitution,” he said. 

Other top AFP officials who joined the courtesy call include Lt. Gen. Augustine S. Malinit, Inspector General of the AFP; Rear Adm. Jose Ma. Ambrosio E. Ezpeleta, newly installed Philippine Navy chief; Rear Adm. Alan M. Javier, chief of naval staff; Maj. Gen. Adonis Ariel G. Orio, new 8th Infantry (Storm Troopers) Division Chief. 

Other House leaders who joined the short meeting include House Majority Leader Manuel Jose “Mannix” M. Dalipe, Deputy Speaker David “Jay-Jay” Suarez, Senior Deputy Majority Leader Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, Surigao del Sur Rep. Johnny Pimentel, Cavite Rep. Lani Mercado Revilla, 1-Pacman Party-list Rep. Mikee Romero, Pangasinan Rep. Ramon Guico Jr.,and others. 

The Speaker also highlighted the need to fast-track the implementation of programs aimed at uplifting soldiers’ morale, particularly those deployed in remote and high-risk areas. 

He assured the officers that the proposed budget for 2025 includes provisions to address these needs.

As part of the discussion, the officers also provided updates on the AFP’s current operational priorities, including disaster response, counter-insurgency operations, and the implementation of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to assist former rebels in reintegrating into society.

The meeting concluded with Speaker Romualdez reiterating his full support for the AFP’s endeavors and calling on Congress to work as a united front in ensuring the military’s success in its vital mission for the nation.