Marcos announces hike in MUPs’ base pay

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Wednesday announced the increase in the base pay of military and uniformed personnel (MUPs), to be given in three tranches.

In a video message, Marcos acknowledged the dedication and service of MUPs, especially in terms of national security. 

“Bilang pagkilala sa inyong walang sawang pag-lilingkod, dedikasyon, at husay, ating itataas ang base pay ng MUP,” the President said.

(In recognition of your service, dedication, and excellence, we will increase the base pay of MUPs.) 

He said the increase shall cover MUPs in the Department of National Defense (DND), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Bureau of Corrections (BuCor), and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

The increase shall be given in three tranches: January 1, 2026; January 1, 2027; and January 1, 2028. 

Marcos added that starting January 1, 2026, the daily subsistence allowance of MUPs shall be at P350. 

The schedule of the base pay increase and the adjusted daily subsistence allowance was detailed in Executive Order (EO) 107, which was later published on the Official Gazette.

EO 107 also created an inter-agency technical working group composed of representatives from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Department of Finance (DOF), Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) to conduct a comprehensive review of the current MUP pension system “with the objective of ensuring a sustainable and equitable pension system.”

It may recommend draft legislation as needed, based on the results of the review.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) both welcomed the development.

“We welcome the President’s directive to increase the base pay of AFP personnel and other members of the uniformed services. This gesture reflects the administration’s recognition of the sacrifices made by our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who dedicate their lives to protecting our people and safeguarding our sovereignty,” said AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla.

Padilla said such development “will not only uplift the morale of our troops but also strengthen our commitment to perform our duties with professionalism, integrity, and faithful service to the nation.”

“We extend our gratitude to the President for this continued trust and support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” Padilla said.

Meanwhile, PNP acting chief Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. also thanked Marcos for his continued trust and confidence in MUPs through the adjusted base pay and daily subsistence allowance.

“His message gives renewed motivation to our personnel who carry out their duties each day to help keep our communities secure,” he said in a statement.

“This gesture is deeply appreciated across the organization, as it reflects the government’s recognition of the daily risks and responsibilities carried by our personnel,” Nartatez added.

The PNP acting chief also assured that it shall continue to uphold its mandate of strengthening peace and security with professionalism and respect for Filipinos’ rights and dignity. 

In a separate statement on Thursday, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) thanked Marcos for approving the increase in base pay and subsistence allowance for uniformed personnel.

“Ang karagdagang benepisyong ito ay hindi lamang magpapataas ng morale ng ating personnel,” PCG spokesperson Captain Noemie Cayabyab said.

(This additional benefit will not only boost the morale of our personnel.)

“Magbibigay-daan din ito sa mas maayos na pagtataguyod sa kani-kanilang pamilya, habang ginagampanan ang kanilang sinumpaang tungkulin sa bayan,” she added.

(It will also pave the way for them to better support their respective families while fulfilling their sworn duty to the nation.) — JMA/RSJ, GMA Integrated News