News Release

PBBM reiterates dedication to uplift the lives of uniformed personnel


President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. reiterated on Wednesday his strong dedication to promote the well-being of the uniformed personnel and their family through the increased 2024 budget for the Department of National Defense (DND).

“With an increased 2024 budget for the DND, we’re dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our uniformed personnel and their families,” President Marcos said in a statement after meeting with security officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in Malacanang Wednesday.

Marcos said the administration’s commitment to uplift the lives of the uniformed personnel is evident in his support for the Revised AFP Modernization Program and the Pension and Gratuity Fund, ensuring financial stability for military and civilian personnel.

“Beyond duty, we prioritize their daily lives. I have approved a specific budget for rice subsidies and Tertiary Health Care at the AFP Medical Center for advanced medical services and overall wellness support,” the President said.

High-ranking officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) paid a courtesy call on President Marcos at the Malacañan Palace earlier on Wednesday.

Security officials led by Presidential Adviser on Military and Police Affairs Secretary Roman Felix from the Office of the President; Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr.; and PNP Acting Deputy Chief for Administration P/Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia paid the courtesy visit to the President.

Other PNP officials present during the courtesy call on President Marcos include Acting Deputy Chief for Operations P/Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria and Chief of Directorial Staff P/Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta.

The military was led by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., Philippine Navy Flag Officer-in-Command Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., Philippine Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy Galido and Philippine Air Force Commanding General Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño. PND