MUPs to get 5% hike in base pay, allowances in 2027

MANILA, Philippines — The Marcos administration is set to increase the base pay of its military and uniformed personnel (MUPs) by five percent in 2027, coupled with a P350 daily subsistence allowance for over 583,000 individuals. This move is part of the proposed 2027 national budget which also earmarks increased allocations for defense and security. The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) announced that the salary hike for MUPs is the second tranche of adjusted base pay under Executive Order 107, which will take effect on January 1, 2027. The salary adjustments are being implemented in three tranches, starting January 2026. For the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), P74.92 billion is allocated for adjusted base pay, while the Philippine National Police (PNP) will receive P100.55 billion. The subsistence allowance for over 583,000 MUPs will total P73.67 billion, with P30.71 billion designated for 246,844 AFP personnel. This pay adjustment is accompanied by higher spending on military and police operations, modernization, and manpower. The AFP's proposed 2027 budget is P316.71 billion, a 6.9 percent increase from its 2026 budget, with P50 billion earmarked for its modernization program. The DBM emphasized that modern equipment and well-compensated personnel are complementary pillars of the nation's defense strategy. The PNP's proposed 2027 budget is P242.53 billion, up from P226.55 billion this year. Of this, P210.55 billion is for personnel services, including P100.55 billion for adjusted base pay and P28.67 billion for the subsistence allowance of 224,421 PNP personnel. The government is also allocating funds for the hiring of 2,000 new patrol officers and for filling existing uniformed positions. Additional budget provisions include subsidies for rice, healthcare for police personnel and their dependents, and health programs. For enhancing police operational capabilities, P2 billion is proposed for the PNP Capability Enhancement Program, covering mobility, communications, and equipment. The ICT sector and infrastructure projects also receive significant allocations.