Newly minted soldiers march in unison during the Pass in Review that marked the conclusion of their four-month Basic Military Training at the Makabulos Grandstand in Camp O’Donnell, Capas, Tarlac in this undated photo. The Department of Budget and Management on Saturday (Sept. 5, 2026) said more than 583,000 military and uniformed personnel would receive a 5 percent increase in base pay, on top of the continued PHP350 daily subsistence allowance. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)
More than 583,000 military and uniformed personnel are poised to receive a 5 percent increase in their base pay in 2027, as the government moves to boost compensation while pouring additional resources into defense, policing and security capabilities.
The proposed 2027 National Expenditure Program earmarks substantial funding for the second tranche of salary adjustments for military and uniformed personnel under Executive Order 107, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2027.
For the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the government has proposed PHP74.92 billion for adjusted base pay, while PHP100.55 billion has been allocated for the Philippine National Police.
The Department of Budget and Management said the higher salaries will come on top of the continued PHP350 daily subsistence allowance, which is more than double the previous PHP150 rate.
Around PHP73.67 billion is being proposed to cover the subsistence requirements of military and uniformed personnel. Of this amount, PHP30.71 billion will support the daily allowance of 246,844 AFP personnel.
Beyond pay and benefits, the government is also seeking to significantly strengthen the country’s defense capabilities.
The AFP is proposed to receive PHP316.71 billion in 2027, representing a 6.85 percent increase from its 2026 allocation.
Funding for the Revised AFP Modernization Program is also set to rise to PHP50 billion from PHP40 billion this year, providing additional resources for military equipment, facilities and capability upgrades.
The proposed budget likewise increases funding for AFP Personnel Services, Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses, and capital outlays.
DBM acting Secretary Kim Robert De Leon said the additional resources would support projects aimed at improving the military’s overall capability and readiness.
The PNP, meanwhile, is proposed to receive PHP242.53 billion under the 2027 NEP, up from PHP226.55 billion this year.
Of the total, PHP210.55 billion is intended for Personnel Services, including PHP100.55 billion for adjusted base pay and PHP28.67 billion for the PHP350 daily subsistence allowance of 224,421 police personnel.
The spending plan also sets aside PHP697.18 million for the recruitment of 2,000 additional patrol officers and PHP2.186 billion to fill currently vacant uniformed positions.
Other proposed benefits include PHP1.74 billion for rice subsidies, PHP280.67 million for hospitalization and healthcare assistance for PNP personnel and their dependents, and PHP125.11 million for the Bantay Kaisipan Health Program.
At the same time, nearly PHP2 billion is being proposed for the PNP Capability Enhancement Program, covering mobility, communications, firepower and anti-terrorism equipment.
Another PHP3.12 billion is earmarked for information and communications technology, while PHP1.499 billion is proposed for infrastructure projects.
The PNP’s Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses will also increase by about 10 percent, from PHP23 billion this year to PHP25.7 billion in 2027.
The DBM said the proposed investments underscore the government’s strategy of simultaneously improving the welfare of uniformed personnel and strengthening their ability to respond to security threats.
“Taken together, the proposed investments reflect the administration’s two-pronged approach to national security: take better care of the men and women who wear the uniform, while giving them the equipment and operational capabilities they need to do their jobs safely and effectively,” the department said.