President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday announced a raised base pay and subsistence allowance for all military and uniformed personnel (MUP) beginning in 2026, in recognition of their integral roles in national security and disaster response.

“Bilang pagkilala sa inyong walang-sawang paglilingkod, dedikasyon, at husay, ating itataas ang base pay ng MUP,” Marcos said.

Included are MUPs from the Department of National Defense (DND), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

The base pay hike will be fulfilled in three tranches: the first on January 1, 2026; the second on January 1, 2027; the third on January 1, 2028.

Additionally, starting on January 1, 2026, all MUPs’ subsistence allowances will increase to ₱350 daily, compared to the current rate of ₱150.

“Naniniwala ang administrasyong ito na ang mga nagtatanggol sa bayan ay nararapat ring protektahan ng pamahalaan,” said the President.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla welcomed the wage increase.

“We welcome the President’s directive to increase the base pay of AFP personnel and other members of the uniformed services. This gesture reflects the administration’s recognition of the sacrifices made by our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who dedicate their lives to protecting our people and safeguarding our sovereignty,” she said.