DBM OKs release of P783.28M for performance bonus of Navy, PAF, NICA personnel

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on Tuesday announced it has approved the release of nearly P800 million for the 2023 Performance-Based Bonuses (PBB) of qualified members of the Philippine Navy (PN), Philippine Air Force (PAF), and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA).

In a statement, the DBM said a total of P783.28 million has been released to the three agencies through separate Special Allotment Release Orders (SAROs).

"The approval of the 2023 PBB is an affirmation of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s support and appreciation for the members of the PN, PAF, and NICA—agencies that continue to protect the Filipino people from threats, which oftentimes come with great risk and sacrifice," said Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman.

Of the total amount released, the Budget Department said P421.985 million would cover the PBB of 25,821 qualified officials and employees of the Navy. 

The DBM said it issued the corresponding SARO for Navy personnel last October 17, 2025.

Qualified Navy officials and employees shall receive a PBB equivalent to 48.75% of their respective monthly basic salary as of December 31, 2023.

The DBM also released the SARO amounting to P342.467 million on October 14, 2025 to cover the funding requirements for the 2023 PBB of 19,803 qualified personnel of the PAF.

Eligible PAF officials and employees shall each receive a PBB equivalent to 52% of their respective monthly basic salary as of December 13, 2023, according to the Budget Department.

Further, the DBM released P18.828 million to NICA on October 9, 2025 to cover the PBB of the agency's 896 qualified officials and employees. NICA employees shall receive 52% of their basic salary as of December 31, 2023.

To recall, the DBM has earlier released 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. — VDV, GMA Integrated News