TRILLANES BATS FOR INCREASE IN AFP COMBAT DUTY PAY

As part of his continued effort to recognize the sacrifices of the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Senator Antonio "Sonny" F. Trillanes IV has filed a bill increasing the combat duty pay of the members of the AFP.

According to Trillanes, a former Navy officer: "Aside from recognizing the relevant role of our soldiers in protecting the country from external aggression and internal security threats, we seek to professionalize the AFP as an organization by giving its personnel benefits that are commensurate to their rank and the kind of function they perform."

Under Senate Bill No. 1882, the combat duty pay of the officers and the enlisted personnel of the AFP will be increased from the current value they are receiving to twenty-five percent of their base pay.

Trillanes added: "The AFP ground troops like the Army and the Marines have long been placed at a disadvantage since their qualified Air Force and Navy counterparts get a corresponding flying pay or sea duty pay of equivalent to 50% and 25%, respectively. This bill would address this imbalance and boost the morale of our ground troops."