QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 561)
It prescribes a basic daily subsistence allowance of not more than ten (₱10.00) pesos for each cadet of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and the Philippine Air Force Flying School (PAF Flying School).
Presidential Decree No. 397, dated February 28, 1974.
Not more than ten (₱10.00) pesos per day; the decree uses the phrase “not more than” indicating the ceiling amount.
It applies to each cadet of the Philippine Military Academy and Philippine Air Force Flying School.
Because prices of commodities were steadily increasing due to inflation, and the existing daily allowance was allegedly insufficient to meet appropriate food quality and quantity for cadets.
It states that historically, cadet subsistence allowance was greater than that of other military personnel to provide proper nutrition for the rigorous physical and mental demands of their training.
He acted pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081 (Sept. 21, 1972) and Proclamation No. 1104 (Jan. 17, 1973), in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Presidential Decree No. 397, which covered officer and enlisted personnel of the AFP including cadets of the PMA and PAF Flying School, among others.
It does not explicitly name PD 397 as amended, but it provides a new allowance ceiling for PMA and PAF Flying School cadets and includes a general repealing clause for conflicting provisions.
It shall take effect upon approval.
All provisions of existing laws and decrees in conflict with PD 561 are repealed.
It increases (up to a ₱10.00 daily ceiling) the subsistence allowance for PMA and PAF Flying School cadets, citing that previously cadets had higher allowances than other military personnel.
It is not more than ₱10.00—meaning ₱10.00 is a ceiling, and the actual amount may be less depending on implementation.
Cadets of the PMA and PAF Flying School; the broader reference under PD 397 also includes trainees under RA 4091, ROTC cadets on summer camp training, reserve officers/enlisted reservists undergoing training or assembly/mobilization tests, among others.
They provide the reasons and legislative intent—namely, inflation and insufficiency of prior allowance—helping interpret the purpose of the ₱10.00 subsistence allowance ceiling for PMA and PAF cadets.
No. PD 561 prescribes a ceiling of not more than ₱10.00 daily, so any issuance imposing more would conflict with the decree.