Question & AnswerQ&A (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 397)
The main purpose of Presidential Decree No. 397 is to amend the AFP Special Provisions of Presidential Decree No. 233 to authorize and prescribe a daily subsistence allowance of not less than six pesos (P6.00) for all officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including cadets and trainees while on training.
Before the enactment of Presidential Decree No. 397, the basic subsistence allowance for each officer and enlisted personnel was five pesos (P5.00) as provided in Presidential Decree No. 233.
All officers and enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, including cadets of the PMA and PAFFS, trainees undergoing military training pursuant to Republic Act No. 4091, Probationary Second Lieutenants/Ensigns, ROTC Cadets on Summer Camp Training, reserve officers, and enlisted reservists undergoing training or assembly/mobilization tests, are entitled to the daily subsistence allowance.
Additional subsistence allowances of up to P1.00 per day are authorized for personnel on duty at AFP long lines relay sites, air defense alert centers, air rescue alert centers, military sealift and terminal command, isolated stations or areas on 24-hour alert status. PN officers and enlisted personnel on sea duty receive P2.00 per day for officers and P1.00 per day for enlisted personnel, draftees, and 20-year-old trainees.
Presidential Decree No. 397 took effect on January 1, 1974.
Yes, this decree repeals General Order No. 14, dated October 3, 1972, and any provisions of existing laws and decrees in conflict with it.
The increase was necessary because the basic subsistence allowance of five pesos was not adequate to meet the prevailing cost of prime commodities and to maintain the physical fitness and efficiency of AFP personnel engaged in suppressing lawlessness and criminal conspiracies.
Trainees undergoing military training under Republic Act No. 4091 are included specifically to ensure they receive the same subsistence allowance as regular AFP members while on training.
Yes, reserve officers and enlisted reservists undergoing training, assembly, or mobilization tests are entitled to the same basic daily subsistence allowance as regular members of the Armed Forces.