The Philippine Air Force (PAF) said on Wednesday the distribution of performance-based bonuses (PBB) for its personnel is ongoing across all units after the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) released the funds covering fiscal year 2023.
“This incentive serves as a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the organization in upholding its mandate and delivering efficient, transparent, and accountable public service,” Air Force Spokesperson Col. Ma. Christina Basco said in a message to the Manila Standard.
“The PAF remains committed to excellence and to serving the Filipino people with integrity, service above self, and pride,” she added.
The DBM recently disbursed around P783.28 million for the 2023 PBB of members of the Air Force, as well as the Philippine Navy and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) through separate Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs).
A SARO dated Oct. 14 released P342.467 million for the 2023 PBB of 19,803 qualified Air Force personnel. Eligible officials and employees will each receive a bonus equivalent to 52 percent of their respective monthly basic salaries as of Dec. 31, 2023.
About P421.985 million through SARO dated Oct. 17 covered the PBB of 25,821 qualified Navy officials and employees, according to the DBM. Eligible Navy officials and employees will each receive a PBB equivalent to 48.75 percent of their respective monthly basic salaries as of Dec. 31, 2023.
“The grant also considers officials and employees belonging to the First, Second, and Third Levels who received at least a ‘Very Satisfactory’ rating based on the agency’s Civil Service Commission-approved Strategic Performance and Management System or the requirements prescribed by the Career Executive Service Board,” the DBM said.
The DBM also released P18.828 million to NICA on Oct. 9 to cover the agency’s 2023 PBB, benefitting 896 qualified officials and employees, who will receive bonuses equivalent to 52 percent of their basic salaries as of Dec. 21, 2023.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said the release of the 2023 PBB is more than just a financial incentive. “It is a humble token of gratitude to the men and women in uniform who serve the nation with courage and dedication,” she added.
Pangandaman also noted this affirms President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s continuing support and appreciation for the members of the Navy, Air Force and NICA—”agencies that continue to protect the Filipino people from threats, which oftentimes come with great risk and sacrifice.”
“Our soldiers and intelligence personnel give their blood, sweat, and sometimes even their lives to protect the Filipino people. The PBB may be a small thing compared to the magnitude of their sacrifices, but it is our way of recognizing their heroism and commitment to the nation,” she said.
Prior to these latest fund releases, the DBM approved the release of P1.64 billion for the payment of the 2023 PBB of 110,688 qualified officials and employees of the Philippine Army, and P3.39 billion for over 225,000 personnel of the Philippine National Police.
