Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

2
HOUSE BILL NO. aD

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE JUAN MIGUEL MACAPAGAL ARROYO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill seeks to adjust the combat duty pay and the additional combat incentive
pay of the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Under the Philippine Constitution, Article II, Section 3, it is stated that the Armed
Forces of the Philippines 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 territory. Moreover, Article XVI,
Section 5, Paragraph 3 of the Constitution mandates that: “Professionalism in the armed
forces and adequate remuneration and benefits of its members shall be a prime concern of
the State. The armed forces shall be insulated from partisan politics.”

‘The efficiency of these frontline soldiers to achieve their mandated tasks is
dependent on several factors, which include their compensation and benefits among, many
others, Currently, members of the armed forces who are assigned to directly engage in
actual combat receive Php 240.00 per month as collateral pay. This amount is rather
inadequate for these soldiers who are risking their lives to preserve the internal security of
our country and defend the integrity of our national territory, the preservation of our
democratic ideals and principles, and the enjoyment of our people of their lives, liberty and
property against external threats or even terroristic acts.

It is but proper to reward additional compensation to the members of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines who engage in actual combat and sacrifice their lives for the
protection of our country and its people. These soldiers deserve additional incentives from
the government for their services.

‘Therefore, this bill shall allocate Php 1,000.00 per month combat duty pay and an
additional Php 500.00 per day combat incentive pay for the members of the Armed Forces
who are designated to engage in actual combat.

For the benefit of the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, I earnestly
seek the immediate passing of this bill.



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 2960

Introduced by REPRESENTATIVE JUAN MIGUEL MACAPAGAL ARROYO

“AN ACT ADJUSTING THE COLLATERAL ENTITLEMENT OF UNIFORMED
MEMBERS OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES WHO DIRECTLY
ENGAGE IN ACTUAL COMBAT AGAINST MEMBERS OF THE DIFFERENT
NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT GROUPS AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES”

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Republic of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Combat Duty Pay. ~ Officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces
of the Philippines (AFP) performing combat duties or activities as defined in regulations
issued by the Secretary of National Defense are entitled to receive Combat Duty Pay in the
amount of one thousand pesos (P1,000.00) per month.

SECTION 2. Combat Incentive Pay. — Members of the AFP who directly engage in
actual combat against various insurgent, terrorist and lawless groups shalll be entitled to an
additional Combat Incentive Pay of five hundred pesos (P500.00) per day while actually
engaged in combat operation subject to the following conditions:

(a) The operation must be for a specific combat mission that is duly covered by an
Operations Order (OPORD) or a Fragmentary Order (FRAG-O);

(b) The personnel involved in combat engagements must be in the published task
organization of the OPORD; and,

(©) The total additional combat incentive pay for each individual shall not exceed
Php 6,000.00 per OPORD/FRAG-O.

SECTION 3. Appropriations. — The initial amount necessary for the implementation
of this Act shall be taken from the Personal Services (PS) savings realized by the AFP.
‘Thereafter, such sum as may be necessary for the continued implementation of this Act
shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

SECTION 4. Authority of the President. ~ With the recommendation of the Secretary
of National Defense, the President is hereby authorized to adjust the combat duty pay and
combat incentive pay of the AFP ona yearly basis. The adjustments on the combat duty pay
and the combat incentive pay should have increases with a minimum of ten percent (10%)
and a maximum of fifty percent (50%) of the current entitlements.



SECTION 5. Periodic Review. - A periodic review of the combat duty pay and the
combat incentive pay of the AFP shall be conducted by the Secretary of National Defense
every two (2) years by creating professionalism exemplary performances and by taking into
account the prevailing economic realities.

SECTION 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. — Within sixty (60) days from the
effectivity of this Act, the Department of National Defense shall prepare and issue the
necessary rules and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SECTION 7. Repealing clause. - All laws, decrees, orders, rules and regulations, or
parts thereof inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed.

SECTION 8. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
publication in a national newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,