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Speaker Romualdez: PBBM admin to push daily subsistence hike of soldiers starting next year

September 8, 2024 People's Journal 144 views

HOUSE Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez assured the soldiers that the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will push for the more than 100 percent increase in their daily subsistence allowance starting next year.

Speaker Romualdez made the assurance during the House of Representatives-AFP Southern Luzon Command fellowship at Camp Nakar in Lucena City which was attended by the leaders of the Lower House along with the Deputy Speaker and Quezon 2nd District Rep. David “Jay-jay” Suarez, and Appropriations Committee Chairman and Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Elizaldy Co, local officials such as Vice Gov. Anacleto Alcala III, SOLCOM chief Lt. Gen. Facundo Palafox IV, and other military officials.

“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 said.

As ordered by President Marcos, Speaker Romualdez said that raising the subsistence allowance will require P15 billion in funds that the House leader assured will be included in the proposed 2025 national budget.

“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 that he and other House leaders are aware of the sacrifice 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 also told the soldiers that the House has also approved the proposal to ensure that there is funding for the pension system of veterans and retired soldiers.

“Additionally, we are pushing for measures to provide quality healthcare and legal assistance for personnel in the lawful performance of their duties,” said the leader of the House with mire than 300 strong members.

The Chamber also supports the AFP Modernization Program and the development of the country’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, Speaker Romualdez also promised to fund the areas that have been declared 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 vowed.

Speaker Romualdez also challenged local officials, from the governor to the barangay captain, to help maintain peace and prevent rebellion from returning to their area.

“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.

The leader of the House said that it recognizes the suffering and sacrifice of soldiers in the defense of 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,” said the lawmaker.

Speaker Romualdez also recognized the operational achievement of SOLCOM under the leadership of Lieutenant General 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 SOLCOM is not only involved in fighting insurgency but also in patrolling over 15,000 nautical miles and guarding thousands of vessels that enter the country’s jurisdiction.

“These actions strengthen our resolve in asserting sovereignty over Philippine waters,” he stressed.

Speaker Romualdez promised SOLCOM that it will seek additional funds to finish the infrastructure they are building such as the 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,” Speaker Romualdez added.

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