The proposed Fiscal Year 2026 national budget sends a clear message to the country’s military and uniformed personnel (MUPs): their welfare, compensation, and operational strength remain a government priority.

During budget deliberations, officials stressed that funding increases for MUP salaries and benefits are neither symbolic nor uncertain. “Nakikita namin kayo, naririnig namin kayo, at hindi namin kayo kailanman kalilimutan at pababayaan,” officials said, emphasizing that the measures are fully backed by appropriations and clear funding sources.

Base pay hike backed by law and funding

In line with Executive Order No. 107, the 2026 budget provides for the first tranche of base pay increases for uniformed personnel. A total of P21.7 billion has been allocated for this tranche, with P15.4 billion earmarked for active-duty personnel and P6.3 billion for pension obligations.

Budget officials said the increase is guaranteed, noting that “Hindi ito sinulat lamang sa tubig, ito po ay sigurado at may nakalaang pondo.” The adjustment forms part of the government’s multi-year compensation reform for MUPs, aligned with inflation and rising living costs.

Higher subsistence allowance starting 2026

The budget also confirms an increase in the daily subsistence allowance of MUPs to P350, effective 1 January 2026. To sustain this benefit, P71.1 billion has been allocated.

Officials framed the increase as recognition rather than privilege. “Hindi ito luho, hindi pabor kung di isang matinding pagkilala,” they said, adding that proper nourishment is essential to performance.

The move reflects the view that courage and discipline must be supported by adequate food and daily sustenance, particularly for those tasked with protecting communities and national borders.

Strengthening units, not just pay

Beyond pay and allowances, the 2026 budget sets aside P40.6 billion for 10,077 new military and uniformed positions across government agencies. These include:

• 1,358 positions in the Armed Forces of the Philippines

• 2,000 in the Philippine National Police

• 2,000 in the Bureau of Fire Protection

• 2,000 in the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology

• 1,000 in the Bureau of Corrections

• 1,790 in the Philippine Coast Guard

Officials said the expansion is meant to strengthen operational units nationwide, not merely improve individual welfare. “Paano ka naman magsisilbi ng buong tapang kung ang sarili mong pangangailangan ay napapabayaan?” one official asked.

No delays, no cancellations in benefits

The Department of Budget and Management clarified that salary increases, pensions, and retirement benefits for MUPs will not be delayed or canceled under the 2026 proposal.

Reports that certain personnel services were “cut” under unprogrammed appropriations were described as misleading. According to DBM, funds previously lodged under the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund were transferred directly to the budgets of implementing agencies to ensure faster, clearer, and more direct disbursement.

“Hindi ito tinanggal, hindi ito ipinagpaliban, at hindi maaapektuhan ang sahod ng mga kasalukuyang empleyado,” officials said. Pensions of current uniformed personnel remain unaffected, with only optional retirement cases subject to existing rules.

Assurance of long-term support

The government noted that special purpose funds, including the MPBF and the Pension and Gratuity Fund, remain in place to address future needs of MUPs as they arise.

As framed in the 2026 budget, the message is consistent: “Ang naglilingkod ay inaalagaan. Ang nagbabantay sa bayan ay bibigyan ng sapat na suporta.”

The administration said it aims to ensure that uniformed personnel — and their families — have a reliable system of support as they continue to serve the nation.