Manila, Philippines – “MORE WILL BE COMING”
That was the caption of Cavite Representative Kiko Barzaga after uploading a video on his social media showing a past video call conversation between former House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Zaldy Co, and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr.
On the said video, Brawner is on the line, while Romualdez mentions to him that the AFP is the top priority in the 2025 budget to increase the subsistence allowance of military personnel.
In a statement released by the House of Representatives on March 15, 2025, President Bongbong Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order (EO) 84, which ensures the welfare of uniformed personnel.
Romualdez then said the adjustment aligns with the administration’s goal of uplifting the morale of uniformed personnel and ensuring that they receive adequate support for their daily needs.
According to a statement from the AFP, the conversation took place in 2024, where Congress approved the long over-due increase of the subsistence allowance of AFP personnel from 150 to 350 pesos.
The AFP vehemently denied the accusations of what they called “twisted tactics of destabilizers” who claimed the armed forces were allegedly bought, controlled, and compromised.
The AFP said this narrative is false, reckless and deeply disrespectful to the men and women in unifrom.
In 2023, President Marcos personally asked Brawner on how the government could help the troops, and Brawner mentioned the need to increase their allowance because it was no longer sufficient for their daily meals.
Marcos replied at the time that they would “work on it.”
Ilocos Norte Rep. Sandro Marcos then coordinated with Co and Romualdez to secure the commitment in the 2025 budget.
The allowance was reportedly approved and went through the legislative channels, anchored on the needs of the soldiers. The AFP stated that no political bargaining or exchange of favors occurred, and most importantly, the integrity of the armed forces was not compromised.
The AFP reiterated that no politician can dictate to the organization, and their integrity, adherence to the Constitution, and loyalty to the Filipino people remain.
They stressed that the dignity, loyalty, and courage of Filipino soldiers cannot be bought “not now, not ever.”