The Marcos administration is stepping up its support for the nation’s defense and security sectors, setting aside P73.67 billion for the daily subsistence allowance of military and uniformed personnel (MUPs) and granting a 5 percent base pay increase starting in 2027.
The funding features in the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 National Budget, aiming to bolster both the welfare and operational readiness of over 583,000 MUPs nationwide, alongside expanded allocations for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
During a media interview on Saturday, Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Kim Robert C. De Leon confirmed the upcoming adjustments across the uniformed services.
“Ang ating mga sundalo—kasama na rin, if I will speak about military and uniformed personnel—ay merong aasahan na 5% increase sa kanilang base pay across the board dahil doon sa executive order na nilagdaan ng ating Presidente,” De Leon said.
The salary bump forms the second tranche of the base pay adjustments authorized under Executive Order No. 107, taking effect on January 1, 2027. To cover the base pay adjustments alone, P74.92 billion has been allocated for the AFP and P100.55 billion for the PNP.
Alongside the base pay hike, the administration is sustaining the P350 daily subsistence allowance, which more than doubled the previous P150 rate.
Out of the total P73.67 billion proposed for the subsistence needs of 583,000 MUPs, approximately P30.71 billion is earmarked for 246,844 AFP personnel, with the remainder supporting police and other uniformed services.
“So iyong ating kabuuang 583,000 na MUPs, may nakalaan na P73.67 billion para lamang doon sa increased na subsistence allowance ng ating mga MUP, on top of the 5% increase in base pay na kanilang aasahan next year,” De Leon explained.
Under the 2027 spending plan, the AFP is set to receive P316.71 billion, marking a 6.85 percent increase from its FY 2026 level.
A notable portion, P50 billion, is allocated to the Revised AFP Modernization Program, representing a P10-billion bump over the current P40-billion outlay.
“Iyong ating budget para sa Revised AFP Modernization Program sa 2027 ay nasa ₱50 billion, para patuloy nating maipatupad iyong different projects of the Armed Forces para mapalakas ang kakayahan at capability ng AFP,” De Leon noted, emphasizing the need to catch up with evolving security challenges to defend national sovereignty.
The proposal also expands funding for AFP Personnel Services, Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses (MOOE) and capital outlays to ensure troops remain adequately equipped, trained, and sustained in the field.
The PNP is slated to receive P242.53 billion in 2027, up from P226.55 billion in 2026. Of this total, P210.55 billion is dedicated to Personnel Services, which includes P100.55 billion for adjusted base pay and P28.67 billion for the P350 daily subsistence allowance covering 224,421 police officers.
To strengthen community presence, the budget sets aside P697.18 million to hire 2,000 new patrolmen and patrolwomen, alongside P2.186 billion to fill existing vacant positions.
“Kasama sila sa ating second tranche ng adjustment ng base pay, pati rin iyong P350 na subsistence allowance. Pareho sila ng benepisyo,” De Leon said.
Beyond basic compensation, the 2027 PNP package integrates broader personnel welfare initiatives, including P1.74 billion for rice subsidies, P280.67 million for hospitalization and healthcare covering officers and their dependents, and P125.11 million for the Bantay Kaisipan Health Program.
To bolster operational capabilities, the government has earmarked P2 billion for the PNP Capability Enhancement Program for mobility, communications, firepower, and anti-terrorism equipment. Additionally, P3.12 billion is allocated for information and communications technology, P1.499 billion for station and regional headquarters infrastructure, and P25.7 billion for PNP MOOE, representing a 10 percent increase from 2026.
The comprehensive spending plan underlines the national defense strategy, coupling continuous modern equipment upgrades with improved living standards and health security for servicemen and their families.