Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez assured soldiers Sept. 7 that the Marcos administration will push for more than a 100-percent increase in their daily subsistence allowance in 2025.
He made the assurance during the House of Representatives-AFP Southern Luzon Command fellowship at Camp Nakar in Lucena City, attended by other leaders of the chamber, local officials, Solcom chief Lt. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV, and other military officers and men.
“Next year, expect to receive a higher daily subsistence allowance from your government. Mula P150 per day, dodoblehin natin ang daily subsistence allowance ninyo. Ang target natin, maitaas natin ito hanggang P350 per day,” Romualdez told the soldiers.
As instructed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the leader of the 300-plus-strong House said the increase would entail P15 billion in additional funding, which he committed to include in the 2025 national budget that is being scrutinized by the lower chamber.
Romualdez said he and his colleagues are aware of the sacrifices of soldiers and their families.
He added that the House has also passed on third and final reading the bill that will institutionalize a sustainable pension system for veterans and military retirees.
“Additionally, we are pushing for measures to provide quality healthcare and legal assistance for personnel in the lawful performance of their duties,” the Speaker said.
He said the House likewise remains committed to supporting the AFP Modernization Program to improve the nation’s overall defense posture.
“We are also exploring resources to further strengthen archipelagic defense and international alliances in the face of modern-day security challenges,” Romualdez said.
The House leader also committed funding for areas that have been declared as communist insurgency-free.
“We, in the House of Representatives, are fully committed to supporting the peace-building efforts in recently-cleared areas. To consolidate these gains, I will advocate for more infrastructure and barangay development projects, which are crucial for long-term stability,” he said.
He urged local officials – from governors to barangay captains – to help the national government in sustaining peace and preventing the resurgence of armed groups.
“Rest assured, I will explore legislative measures to support this objective and exert efforts to convince our local executives in joining us for a whole-of-government approach in securing peace for our homeland,” Romualdez said in a press release from his office.
The Speaker also cited the operational achievements of Solcom. “Your success in neutralizing communist terrorists, dismantling guerrilla fronts, and capturing firearms from the enemy is a testament to your dedication and bravery. The surrender of NPA regulars, along with hundreds of supporters withdrawing from the CPP, shows that peace is achievable with perseverance and strategic coordination.”
He said the command is involved not only in eliminating local insurgency but also in patrolling over 15,000 nautical miles and monitoring thousands of vessels in its area of jurisdiction. “These actions strengthen our resolve in asserting sovereignty over Philippine waters.”
He promised Solcom that he would provide additional funds to complete its multi-year infrastructure projects, such as its administrative building and other support facilities. ||
