Increasing the pay of

the military over three years is a bribe to ensure that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stays in office until the end of his term, according to critics. But the Department of National Defense said the raise seeks to address a long overdue commitment to the uniformed services that the government can now afford to give.

The DND rejected the claim the pay hike for military and uniformed personnel (MUP) was a “bribe,” particularly amid rumors of destabilization plots against the Marcos administration.

Social media posts have branded the salary increase for uniformed personnel as a legal way to buy their loyalty amid the noise of brewing military unrest over the flood control corruption scandal.

Unlike a one-time bonus, the three tranches of the raises create ongoing anticipation. The 2026 increase provides immediate relief, but tying the bulk of the raise to the years 2027 and 2028 fosters a dependence on the current regime’s continuity.

Military families, living on modest salaries despite the high risks they face, view these raises as a lifeline, potentially outweighing any other sentiments.

In October, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. publicly disclosed that he had rejected overtures from retired officers urging a military intervention to oust Marcos.

Recent weeks have also seen escalating pressure from a massive corruption scandal involving the manipulation of budget funds, which has eroded public trust in the administration and fueled rumors of destabilization efforts.

The piecemeal raises mean a coup or regime change could jeopardize the remaining increases, as a new administration might renege on or alter the policy.

The order covers military personnel under the Department of National Defense and uniformed personnel under the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Corrections, and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority.

In an interview at Camp Aguinaldo on Friday, DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong emphasized the MUP salary adjustment was “long overdue.”

“The President himself said this was long overdue. We at the Department of National Defense share that view, that our soldiers really should be given a pay increase, especially since their work has become more difficult compared to previous years,” Andolong said.

He added that the AFP has also expressed appreciation for the President’s initiative, viewing it as a sign of continued support for military personnel.

“We welcome it, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has also said that they welcome and support (the initiative), and they are appreciative of the President’s concern for our men in uniform,” he said.

Andolong dismissed the criticism of the initiative.

“Why would they think this is a bribe? This is for our soldiers. Their work is challenging. I don’t understand people who say such things. They should think about what they’re claiming. Where is our concern for those who defend our people and our sovereignty?” he said.

Andolong said the DND is preparing for a comprehensive policy review of the proposed base pay increase for MUP, following an order from President Marcos for the agency to create a technical working group.

The DND, he added, is awaiting the details but confirmed that the review process has been set in motion.

Under Executive Order (EO) 107, the updated base pay will be implemented in three tranches, beginning on 1 January 2026, followed by increases on 1 January 2027 and 1 January 2028.

The subsistence allowance for all MUP will be set at P350 per day.

Funds for the 2026 adjustments will be sourced from the national budget, while requirements for 2027 onward will be included in future National Expenditure Program proposals.

The DBM must issue implementing guidelines within 90 days, while member agencies must name their representatives within 30 days of the EO’s effectivity.

Palace: No political pressure

Malacañang clarified that the adjustment in MUPs’ base pay is a recognition of their service, not due to political pressure.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Marcos’ decision to enhance the MUP benefits stemmed from his respect for the men and women who risk their lives daily to maintain peace and security across the country.

“If they deserve better support, we must provide it, as their sacrifice for the nation puts their lives at risk,” Castro told reporters in a press briefing.

She stressed that the President’s visits to military camps and regular engagements with troops are part of his duty as Commander-in-Chief and should not be questioned in relation to current issues.

“As long as the President has time, this should not be questioned. Visiting our soldiers and uniformed personnel is proper as the Commander-in-Chief. So this has nothing to do with any current issues; it is the President’s duty to visit them,” Castro said.

On 4 December, the President visited the Eastern Mindanao Command in Davao City, where he commended the troops for their performance in internal security operations, counterinsurgency efforts, maritime patrols, disaster response, and the continued decline of counterterrorism groups.