Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 9166)
The primary purpose of Republic Act No. 9166 is to promote the welfare of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) by increasing the rate of base pay and other benefits of its officers and enlisted personnel, and for other related purposes.
Professionalism in the armed forces and adequate remuneration and benefits of its members shall be a prime concern of the State as provided in the 1987 Constitution.
The law provides a schedule of base pay increases for AFP personnel according to ranks, mapped to specific salary grades from Candidate Soldier (Salary Grade 7) up to General (Salary Grade 30).
No, CSC qualification standards shall not apply to the AFP according to the law.
The merit system governs selection, hiring, appointment, transfer, promotion or dismissal of AFP personnel. It also includes incentives like scholarship grants for deserving soldiers’ children, hospital care, social services, and other non-cash benefits to strengthen professionalism.
Children of prisoners of war, those missing in action, and those killed or who died as a result of their service may be awarded scholarship grants.
The DND, in coordination with the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, shall establish a special housing assistance program to provide AFP officers and personnel with structurally sound, environmentally safe, affordable homes in wholesome communities, with assistance amounts based on rank, location, and family status.
Initial implementation costs shall be charged against the AFP's appropriations savings or other definite sources as determined by the DBM, with subsequent funding incorporated in the AFP's regular appropriations in the annual General Appropriations Act.
The DND and DBM must jointly submit an annual report to the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives including budget application for salary and benefits under the law.
Every five (5) years, the DBM in consultation with the DND shall review and adjust the base pay considering economic indicators like labor productivity, consumer price index, and oil prices.
The implementation shall be in staggered phases but shall not exceed two (2) years, with any partial implementation being uniform and proportionate for all ranks.
The law takes effect fifteen (15) days after its complete publication in the Official Gazette or at least two newspapers of general circulation, whichever occurs earlier.
All inconsistent laws, decrees, orders, rules, regulations, or parts thereof are repealed or modified accordingly.