MANILA – The Philippine Congress has recently approved a Php17 billion allocation in the proposed 2025 national budget. This fund is earmarked for a significant increase in the monthly subsistence allowance for soldiers, raising it to Php10,500.

House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan announced this development on Wednesday, stating that the higher allowance aims to improve the overall well-being of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s over 165,000 personnel.

"Both the House and the Senate, largely through the efforts of Speaker Martin Romualdez, have agreed to provide a 133-percent increase in the daily subsistence allowance for our soldiers – from Php150 to Php350 – to further improve their welfare," Libanan explained. "The allowance is now equal to Php10,500 monthly."

Libanan emphasized the government's commitment to investing in the welfare of soldiers, who are crucial to national defense. This increased allowance is part of a broader effort to support military personnel financially.

In addition to the subsistence allowance, which covers food and meal expenses, soldiers receive various other forms of compensation. These include allowances for clothing, laundry, quarters, and economic relief, as well as bonuses and incentives like longevity pay, mid-year and year-end bonuses, and performance-based rewards.

Certain groups of soldiers, such as those in hazardous or combat roles, receive additional compensation, including hazardous/hazard duty pay, hardship allowances, and combat duty pay.