PNP, AFP thankful for pay hike

The Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines welcomed Wednesday President Rodrigo Duterte’s signing of joint resolution authorizing the increase in base pay of military and uniformed personnel (MUP) in the government.

PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Dionardo Carlos said the resolution of increasing the salaries of cops and soldiers is a fitting recognition of the selfless service and sacrifice of the members of the organization.

“For the PNP, we can only offer our best performance of duty to humbly deserve the recognition by our people even at the cost of our lives,” Carlos said in a press statement.

For his part, military spokesperson Colonel Edgard Arevalo said the soldiers are grateful to the President for his recognition of the sacrifices and the hazards the military service entails and his concern for the welfare of uniformed members of the AFP and their families.

“We understand the prevailing economic realities that have been considered in the crafting of the pay schedule. With or without the pay increase, our soldiers shall remain committed to our sworn duties to the Filipino nation and its people,” Arevalo said.

The Joint Resolution No. 1 was signed by the President on the first day of the year but was released to the media only on Tuesday. It also took effect last January 1.

“There is a need to adjust the compensation package of MUP in order to make it more commensurate with their critical role in maintaining national security and peace and order, taking into consideration their exposure to high-risk environments in the performance of their duties,” the joint resolution, passed separately by the Senate and the House of Representatives, stated.

Meanwhile, on the suspension of indexation of pension to base pay, Arevalo said they respect the decision of the lawmakers and the President.

“The AFP respects the decision of Congress and the President to suspend the indexation of the new base pay to the pension of retired AFP personnel, pending further study by the legislative and executive branches of government,” he said. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News