Manila, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said on Tuesday that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s grant of a salary hike for military and uniformed personnel was programmed early on, dispelling speculation that the decision was a quid pro quo for the military’s loyalty amid coup rumors.
“Ito po’y [This] came from a process. It started in August of last year so hindi po ito abrupt gaya ng lumalabas. Dumaan sa tamang proseso hanggang sa ma-approve po ito,” AFP spokesperson Colonel Margareth Francel Padilla told a press briefing on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
[TRANSLATION: This came from a process. It started in August of last year so this is not abrupt contrary to what has been disseminated. This went through due process until it was approved.]
The salary increase – equivalent to 15 percent spread over the next three years – came seven years after the last hike was ordered by then President Rodrigo Duterte.
Marcos’ directive was enforced through an Executive Order. It covers the AFP soldiers and military servicemen as well as the uniformed personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Corrections, Philippine Coast Guard, and National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (Namria).
“Through the years mula po noon hanggang sa ngayon po simbolo po ito ng pagkilala ng sakripisyo at dedikasyon na pinapakita ng ating hanay, ng bawat sundalo,” Padilla said.
[TRANSLATION: Through the years until today, this has been a symbol recognizing the sacrifices and dedication shown by our troops.]
The AFP will be celebrating its 90th founding anniversary this December. The military will be observing “austerity measures,” Padilla said, as the nation still reels from the impact of a series of storms that displaced families.
“Sa halip na magdaos ng magarbong selebrasyon, inuuna po natin ang serbisyo, ang pagtulong at ang pagbangon,” Padilla said, referring to the troop’s assistance in rehabilitation efforts in storm-hit provinces.
[TRANSLATION: Instead of lavish celebrations, we prioritize service, assistance and recovery.]
