JV seeks P350 subsistence pay for uniformed personnel

Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito has obtained support for increasing the daily subsistence allowance of uniformed personnel from P150 to P350, a move incorporated into the latest Senate Committee Report on the 2026 national budget.

The increase seeks to benefit about 330,000 personnel across major public safety agencies. Ejercito, vice chair of the Senate finance committee, said the existing rate is too low to cover basic meals amid rising prices.

“We have seen that their daily food allowance is insufficient and that they are forced to stretch it just to get by. It’s really very small compared to the sacrifice and service they give in protecting us,” he said.

“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 hike is part of a P23-billion proposal that includes allocations for the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Philippine Public Safety College.

Ejercito noted that many personnel, especially in the Philippine Coast Guard, face dangerous conditions with limited benefits.

“Many of them work in high-risk conditions but lack the benefits and social protection they rightfully deserve,” he pointed out. “I hope this will help them and their families.”

He also announced funding for the construction of 65 fire stations and the procurement of 65 fire trucks to support the BFP’s long-standing facility and equipment gaps.

Ejercito thanked Senator Win Gatchalian, chair of the finance committee, for backing the initiative. “This is a collective effort,” he said.