The Market Monitor Minding the Nation's Business
The Marcos administration has set aside over ₱4 billion this year to create more than 10,000 new military and uniformed personnel (MUP) positions, while rolling out the first tranche of base pay increases totaling ₱21.7 billion, Malacañang announced Wednesday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the move underscores President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s commitment to the welfare of soldiers, police, and other uniformed personnel, as reflected in the proposed 2026 national budget.
“Ang adjustments ay bahagi ng pagkilala ni Pangulong Marcos Jr. sa ating military at uniformed personnel sa kanilang kabayanihan… at sa kanilang sakripisyo para sa bayan,” Castro said, highlighting that salary increases and higher subsistence allowances recognize the sacrifices and heroism of MUPs.
Acting Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo added that the 2026 budget marks the start of the first tranche of base pay increases under Executive Order No. 107. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, subsistence allowances will rise to ₱350 per day, supported by a total allocation of ₱71.1 billion to ensure sustainability.
The additional 10,077 positions will be distributed across key agencies, including 1,358 for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, 2,000 each for the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, 1,000 for the Bureau of Corrections, and 1,790 for the Philippine Coast Guard.
“These positions are not just numbers. They are additional hands, strength, and protection for the nation,” Toledo said.