The Department of National Defense (DND) on Friday dismissed claims that the proposed base pay increase for military and uniformed personnel (MUP) is a form of “political appeasement” amid past rumors of destabilization against the government.
Speaking to reporters at Camp Aguinaldo, DND spokesperson Assistant Secretary Arsenio Andolong rejected the allegation, stressing that the planned salary adjustment is intended to recognize the sacrifices of soldiers and ensure their welfare.
“Why would this be considered a bribe? This is for our soldiers. Their work is extremely difficult. I do not understand those making such claims. Where is our concern for those who defend our people and protect our sovereignty?” Andolong said.
Andolong explained that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has already ordered the creation of a technical working group for the said pay hike, although specific details are still being finalized.
“At the moment, we are in the process of preparing for the implementation of a policy review. The President already triggered this by directing the formation of a technical working group. As to the details, we don’t have anything yet, but we fully support this policy review,” he said.
The proposed salary adjustment has drawn mixed reactions, particularly from labor groups questioning why uniformed personnel were prioritized over civilian workers. In response, Andolong reiterated the administration’s position that a pay hike for soldiers is long overdue.
“As the President said, this is overdue. This is also our view in the Department of National Defense—that our soldiers truly deserve a pay increase, especially considering that their work has become more difficult compared to previous years,” he added.
He said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also welcomed the move and expressed appreciation for the President’s concern for military personnel.
Labor group Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) has criticized Marcos Jr. for increasing the base pay for MUP, saying ordinary workers fought hard for a P200 regional wage hike only for it to be rejected and “killed.”
KMU Secretary General Mary Ann Castillo said the increase for police and military personnel adds insult to injury for workers still earning poverty wages.
“Sampal sa mukha ito ng mga ordinaryong manggagawa at kawani — sa mga tapat na naglilingkod, lumilikha ng yaman ng bayan, at nagpapatakbo sa buong lipunan,” Castillo said.
“Lalong nakakagalit na walang intensyon ang gobyernong tugunan ang kahingian ng ordinaryong manggagawa para sa nakabubuhay na sahod,” she added. “At kahit ang legislated wage increase na P200 na nga lang, pahirapan nang inilaban, pinatay pa.”
The P200 regional wage hike bill failed to pass in the 19th Congress after the House and Senate could not agree on a compromise. The House approved a P200 increase while the Senate approved a P100 increase.
