Introduced by Senator Antonio F. Trilianes I V  
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
The 1987 Constitution expressly declares that: 
"The Armed 
Forces (AFP) is the protector of the people and the State. Its goal is to 
secure the sovereignty of the State and the integrity of the national 
territory1 ". 
The 1987 Constitution further provides that: "Professionalism in 
the armed forces and adequate remuneration and benefits of its 
members shall be a prime concern of the State2". 
Despite of these lofty constitutional precepts, our soldiers receive 
measly salaries, inadequate allowances and insufficient benefits and are 
among the lowest paid in the Government. 
A case in point is the Combat Duty Pay they receive: The officers 
and enlisted personnel of the AFP receive Combat Duty Pay of P240.00 
per month, a paltry sum by today standards. Indeed, said amount can 
hardly serve as an incentive for soldiers who are subjected to numerous 
risks and perils when they put their lives on the line to protect our 
people, our institutions and our democratic way of life. 
The last increase of the Combat Duty Pay was effected some 
twenty-two (22) years ago through Executive Order No. 1017 dated 22 
March 1985, thus, highlighting the need to upgrade said allowance. 
It is high time that we recognize and honor the very vital role 
played by 
officers and members of the AFP by looking after their 
welfare and providing them with decent and adequate compensation as 
well as reasonable and substantial benefits. 
Hence, the immediate passage and approval of this bill is 
earnestly sought. 
dN?ONIQ F. TRILLANES IV 
' Section 3, Article I1 [Declaration of Principles and Slate Policies], 1987 Coostitution. 
' 
Section 5 (3), Article XVI [General Provisions], 1987 Constitution. 


FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES) 
First Reaular Session 
1 
SENATE 
S. Bill No. 
~~ 
Introduced by Senator Antonio F. Trillanes I V  
AN ACT 
INCREASING THE COMBAT DUTY PAY OF ALL OFFICERS AND 
ENLISTED 
PERSONNEL OF THE 
ARMED 
FORCES OF THE 
PHILIPPINES (AFP) 
FROM TWO 
HUNDRED FORTY PESOS 
(P240.00) PER MONTH TO TWENTY-FIVE PER CENTUM (25%) OF 
THEIR BASE PAY AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR. 
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of 
the Philippines in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Increase in Combat Dutv Pav. - In line with the 
declared policy of the State to promote professionalism in the Armed 
Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and make adequate remuneration and 
benefits of its members as the prime concern of the State, the Combat 
Duty Pay of all officers and enlisted personnel of the AFP is hereby 
increased from two hundred forty pesos (P240.00) 
per month to 
twenty-five per centum (25%) of their base pay. 
SEC. 2. 
Amroariation/Budaet Reauired. - Such amount as 
may be necessary to implement this Act for the current year shall be 
charged against the savings of the Department of National Defense 
(DND). Thereafter, the National Government shall appropriate annually 
and include in the General Appropriations Act the amount corresponding 
to the total annual cost of the increase in Combat Duty Pay. 
SEC. 3. 
- The DND in 
coordination with the AFP shall promulgate and immediately issue the 
rules and regulations necessary to implement the provisions of this Act. 
SEC. 4. Reoealina Clause. - All provisions of any other laws, 
orders, acts, decrees as well as rules and regulations inconsistent 
herewith are hereby repealed and/or modified accordingly. 


SEC. 5. SeDerabilitv Clause. - If any part or provision of this 
Act shall be held invalid or unconstitutional, the remaining parts or 
provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shall continue to be in 
full force and effect. 
SEC. 6. Effectivitv. This Act shall take effect on 01 January 
2008 or within fifteen (15) days from the date of its publication in at 
least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, whichever is earlier. 
Approved,