Malacañang clarified on Friday that the recent adjustment in the base pay of military and uniformed personnel (MUP) is a recognition of their service, not a result of political pressures.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s decision to enhance MUP benefits stems from 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 Commander-in-Chief. So, this has nothing to do with any current issues; it is the President’s duty to visit them,” said Castro.

Marcos recently signed Executive Order 107, which updates the MUP base pay schedule and raises the daily subsistence allowance to P350, effective January 1, 2026. 

The pay adjustment will be implemented in three tranches: January 1, 2026; January 1, 2027; and January 1, 2028.

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