Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito is earmarking P23 billion to increase the allowances of personnel of the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Coast Guard, or from P150 to P350 per day.

The proposed adjustment was incorporated into the recommendations of the subcommittee chaired by Ejercito, and was adopted by Senate Committee Report.

The said increase of daily substinence will benefit around 330,000 personnel, helping them cope with rising costs of living while recognizing their vital role in ensuring public safety.

“Nakita natin na kulang at pilit lang nilang pinagkakasya ang allowance para sa pangkain kada araw. Napakaliit talaga kumpara sa sakripisyo at serbisyo nila sa pagprotekta sa atin,” said Ejercito, Vice Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance.

“This increase will not only help our uniformed personnel meet daily needs, but also boost morale and professionalize our public safety workforce,” he added.

The proposal also Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP), and Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC).

Ejercito sponsored the budgets for these agencies, proposing the following allocations:

• P16.05 B – Philippine National Police

• P2.76 B – Philippine Coast Guard

• P2.76 B – Bureau of Fire Protection

• P1.81 B– Bureau of Jail Management and Penology

• P14.60 M – Philippine Public Safety College

The lawmaker stressed that uniformed personnel perform high-risk duties in difficult and often dangerous conditions, yet continue to receive modest benefits.

“Marami sa kanila ang nagtatrabaho sa high-risk conditions pero kulang sa benepisyo at social protection na nararapat sa kanila. Halimbawa, ang ating Coast Guard na regular na nagpa-patrol at nahaharap sa matinding panganib para bantayan at paigtingin ang ating maritime security. Sana makatulong ito sa kanila at sa kanilang pamilya,” he said.

He also announced the approval of funding for an additional 65 fire stations and 65 fire trucks for the BFP, noting this will help local government units finally have the fire stations and equipment they need.

Ejercito thanked Senator Win Gatchalian, chairperson of the Committee on Finance, for supporting the proposal and ensuring the inclusion of the needed provisions in the budget.

“This is a collective effort. I thank Senator Gatchalian for recognizing the needs of our uniformed services and helping make this adjustment possible,” Ejercito added.