Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1420

HOUSE BILLNO.

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

EXPLANATORY NOTE

For more than four decades, ground forces have been deployed to fight terrorist
organizations and extremist groups in all parts of the country. With meager benefits and
incentives, these soldiers risk their lives without complaint. These ground forces has to carry

their personal belongings, food and service gear enduring prolonged physical and mental strain.

‘The AFP practice of granting pay based on the risks and hazards of a particular
occupational specialty was based on American system during World War II when large air and
naval battles caused tremendous casualties to its air and naval forces. The ground personnel only

receives a combat duty pay of P240.00 monthly while his counterpart in the Navy and Air Force

is receiving a sea duty pay of 25% and flying pay of 50% of their base pay, respectively. The last
increase of the Combat Duty Pay was made 28 years ago by virtue of Executive order No. 1017

dated March 22, 1985,


‘This proposed measure to increase the combat duty pay to 25% of the base pay, will bring
back the seemingly fading respect of "field assignments", This will also augment their income,

uplift their morale, and encourage them to work beyond their call of duty.

‘This measure was previously filed by Senator Ramon Reyilla Jr, in the 15" Congress.

Passage of this Bill is earnestly sought now in the 16% Congress.

HARLIN CAST, WEAYON

Representative
First District of Northem Samar


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Constitution Hills, Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1420

HOUSE BILL

Introduced by Representative Harlin Cast. Abayon

ANACT
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 PERCENT
(25%) OF THEIR BASE PAY AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFOR

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

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This Act shall be known as "Combat Duty Pay Increase."

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy. - It is the paramount goal of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines to protect the people, to secure the sovereignty of the State and maintain the integrity
of the national territory. Moreover, Section 5 of Article XVI of the Constitution provides for the
professionalism in the armed forces and adequate remuneration and benefits of its members shall
be a prime concem of the state.

SECTION 3, Increase in Combat Duty Pay. - 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 percent (25%) of their base pay.

SECTION 4. Budget Appropriation - such amount as may be necessary to implement this Act for
the current year shall be charged to the savings of the Department of National Defense (DND)
and to the General Appropriations Act for the succeeding years.

SECTION 5, Implementing Rules and Regulations - As the lead agency, the DND shall
coordination with the AFP shall promulgate the Rules and Regulations (IRR) of this Act within
ninety (90) days after its effectivity.

SECTION 6, Separability Clause. - If any provision or part hereof is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remainder of the law or the provision not otherwise affected shall remain


valid and subsisting,

SECTION, 7. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order,
letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation contrary to, or inconsistent with the
provisions of this Act is hereby repealed, modified or amended accordingly.

SECTION. 8. Effectivity Clause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation

Approved.