Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez executes a snappy salute as he troops the line at the headquarters of the AFP Southern Luzon Command headquarters at Camp Guillermo Nakar in Lucena City Saturday (Sept. 7, 2024). Accompanying him is Southern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV (left). In a brief address to the troops, the Speaker reiterated his commitment on the government’s continuing budgetary support for the AFP modernization program.
SPEAKER Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Saturday assured soldiers that the Marcos administration will push for more than 100-percent increase in their daily subsistence allowance in 2025.
He made the assurance during the House of Representatives-AFP Southern Luzon Command fellowship at Camp Nakar in Lucena City attended by other leaders of the chamber including Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez and appropriations committee chairman and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co, local officials headed by Vice Gov. Anacleto Alcala III, SOLCOM chief Lt. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV and other military officers and men.
“Next year, expect to receive a higher daily subsistence allowance from your government. Mula P150 per day, dodoblehin natin ang daily subsistence allowance ninyo. Ang target natin, maitaas natin ito hanggang P350 per day,” Speaker Romualdez told his audience.
As instructed by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos Jr., the leader of the 300-plus-strong House said the increase would entail P15 billion in additional funding, which he committed to include in the 2025 national budget that is being scrutinized by his chamber.
“Aabutin ng halos P15 bilyon ang kailangan para maibigay ang allowance na ito para sa lahat ng ating sundalo at miyembro ng Armed Forces. Pero bilang inyong Speaker, sisiguruhin ko na mailalagay ang pondong ito sa 2025 National Budget na tinatalakay namin ngayon alinsunod sa kautusan ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos,” he said.
Speaker Romualdez said he and his colleagues in the House are aware of the sacrifices of soldiers and their families.
“Alam naming lahat ang paghihirap at sakripisyo ninyong lahat, gayundin ng inyong mga pamilya. Hindi man namin masuklian ang lahat ng ito sa ngayon, sisiguruhin ko ang tulong ng gobyerno para mabigyan ng ginhawa ang inyong pamumuhay,” he added.
Speaker Romualdez pointed out that the House has also passed on third and final reading the bill that will institutionalize a sustainable pension system for veterans and military retirees.
“Additionally, we are pushing for measures to provide quality healthcare and legal assistance for personnel in the lawful performance of their duties,” he said.
He said the House likewise remains committed to supporting the AFP Modernization Program, House Bill Nos. 11, 6375 and 7764, to improve the nation’s overall defense posture.
“We are also exploring resources to further strengthen archipelagic defense and international alliances in the face of modern-day security challenges,” he said.
At the same time, the House leader committed funding for areas that have been declared as communist insurgency-free.
“We in the House of Representatives are fully committed to supporting the peace-building efforts in recently cleared areas. To consolidate these gains, I will advocate for more infrastructure and barangay development projects, which are crucial for long-term stability,” he said.
The House leader urged local officials — from governors to barangay captains — to help the national government in in sustaining peace and preventing the resurgence of armed groups.
“Rest assured, I will explore legislative measures to support this objective and exert efforts to convince our local executives in joining us for a whole-of-government approach in securing peace for our homeland,” he said.
He acknowledged the soldiers’ “hard work and sacrifices for the defense of our national sovereignty.”
“Sa mga okasyong ito, naipapaabot namin – sampu ng mga kapwa nating Pilipino – ang aming taos-pusong pasasalamat sa inyo sa lahat ng inyong mga sakripisyo. Mga sakripisyong ginagawa ninyo para bantayan at seguruhin ang pambansang seguridad at soberenya,” he said.
Speaker Romualdez also cited the operational achievements of SOLCOM under the leadership of Palafox.
“Your success in neutralizing communist terrorists, dismantling guerrilla fronts, and capturing firearms from the enemy is a testament to your dedication and bravery. The surrender of NPA regulars, along with hundreds of supporters withdrawing from the CPP, shows that peace is achievable with perseverance and strategic coordination,” he said.
He said the command is involved not only in eliminating local insurgency but also in patrolling over 15,000 nautical miles and monitoring thousands of vessels in its area of jurisdiction.
“These actions strengthen our resolve in asserting sovereignty over Philippine waters,” he stressed.
He promised SOLCOM that he would provide additional funds to complete its multi-year infrastructure projects, such as its administrative building and other support facilities.
“Sa madaling salita po, huwag kayong mag-alala. Sagot po namin kayo sa House of Representatives! Sama-sama at buong tapang po nating harapin ang hamon ng pambansang soberenya tungo sa mas maunlad at makabagong Pilipinas,” Romualdez said.
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