Lawmaker urges release of increased combat pay for cops, soldiers

From InterAksyon (Dec 20): Lawmaker urges release of increased combat pay for cops, soldiers



An Army armored vehicle in Butig, Lanao del Sur during recent fighting against the Maute Group. (AFP file)

A leader of the House of Representatives called for the release of the increased combat pay due personnel of the uniformed services by the end of the year.

Deputy Speaker Rolando Andaya Jr.’s call came a day after Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa bared hefty cash handouts from President Rodrigo Duterte of P100,000 to P400,000 for star-ranked police officers and at least P50,000 for lower-ranked officials.

Andaya noted that Executive Order No. 3, which raises the combat pay for both military and police officers and enlisted personnel, was supposed to have taken effect September 1.

It also grants a daily “combat incentive pay” of P300 for personnel “who figure directly in actual combat against members of various insurgent, terrorist and lawless elements.”

At the same time, despite questions raised by the huge bonuses for the police officials, Andaya said Duterte’s compassion for the police and the military cannot be doubted.

“He has been to all major military camps. Hindi babalewalain ng ating Pangulo ang kaniyang binitawang salita (He will never go back on his word),” he said.

To receive the combat pay, personnel must be included in the “published task organization” of the AFP or the PNP.

Prior to the EO, the combat pay for soldiers was pegged at P500 a month with the combat incentive pay set at P150 per day of actual combat, but not exceeding P1,500 a month.

For policemen, the previous combat duty pay was P340 month.

The EO harmonizes and aligns into one the two allowances paid out by the two services, Andaya said.

The House leader also reminded government that police personnel and soldiers are entitled to a 25-kilo monthly rice subsidy.

If procurement issues are delaying the release of the rice allowance, he proposed that the cash equivalent be given instead.

Under the EO, the initial funding requirement necessary to implement the new combat pay rates will be drawn from the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefits Fund.  

http://interaksyon.com/article/135431/lawmaker-urges-release-of-increased-combat-pay-for-cops-soldiers