Marcos Oks rice subsidies for cops, soldiers

MANILA, Philippines — Amid rumors of destabilization, President Marcos yesterday reaffirmed his commitment to promote the welfare of uniformed personnel and their families and announced the approval of funding for rice and health care benefits.

“With an increased 2024 budget for the DND (Department of National Defense), we’re dedicated to ensuring the well-being of our uniformed personnel and their families. This commitment is evident in our support for the Revised AFP Modernization Program and the pension and gratuity fund, ensuring financial stability for military and civilian personnel,” Marcos said in a Facebook post.

“Beyond duty, we prioritize their daily lives. I have approved a specific budget for rice subsidies and tertiary health care at the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) Medical Center for advanced medical services and overall wellness support,” he added.

The President issued the statement after receiving military and police officials in a New Year’s call at the anteroom of the President’s Hall in Malacañang.

The event took place two days after Marcos presided over a command conference in Camp Aguinaldo, which tackled key security issues, including the West Philippine Sea dispute and the communist rebellion.

AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner had said rumors of destabilization plots were not discussed during the conference. The military chief had also given assurance that the troops remain loyal to the Constitution and there is no need to conduct loyalty checks within the institution.

Present during the New Year’s call were Brawner, Acorda, presidential adviser on military and police affairs Roman Felix, PNP acting deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia, acting deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria, chief of directorial staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta, Navy chief Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr., Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido and Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Stephen Parreño.