Marcos to raise gratuity pay for AFP Medal of Valor awardees

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday announced that recipients of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ highest combat award will be given a bigger monthly gratuity pay as a “tangible and meaningful reward” for their services.

"We are also going to adequately reward the existing Medal of Valor awardees the increase of their lifetime monthly gratuity for displaying bravery and heroism in defending our freedom,” Marcos said during the AFP’s 88th anniversary celebration at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

Marcos did not specifically state how much would be added to the Medal of Valor awardees’ monthly gratuity pay but described the increase as a way for the government to affirm its "commitment to support and to honor our war heroes."

The president also called on the AFP to "remain relentless in countering lawless elements that intend to sow fear and distrust amongst our people.”

“We shall continue to assert our rights in accordance with the Philippine constitution and international law,” he added.

The Medal of Valor is the highest combat award given to military personnel who perform “a deed of personal bravery or self-sacrifice above and beyond the call of duty so conspicuously as to distinguish him above his comrades.”

Marcos’ predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, raised the monthly gratuity of Medal of Valor awardees in 2016 from P20,000 to P70,000.  

Last week, House Speaker Martin Romualdez told members of the AFP during a House-AFP fellowship event that the lower chamber "stands beside you" and will continue to show "strong support" for soldiers.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in November that there were certain individuals — including retired AFP officers — who were attempting to plot the destabilization of the current Marcos administration.

— Cristina Chi