QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 556)
It is issued pursuant to the President’s powers as Commander-in-Chief and pursuant to Proclamation No. 1081 (Sept. 21, 1972), Proclamation No. 1104 (Jan. 17, 1973), and General Order No. 1 (Sept. 22, 1972).
Section 90 of Commonwealth Act No. 1, as amended (National Defense Act).
No. The decree states that officers had not been authorized any clothing allowance, whether in kind or in cash since the Armed Forces began in 1935.
At least Three Hundred and Sixty Pesos (P360.00) annually.
It may be granted either in kind or in cash, as determined by the Chief of Staff, AFP, and approved by the Secretary of National Defense.
The Chief of Staff, AFP.
The Secretary of National Defense.
To each officer in the active service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Because officers are expected to appear neat, clean, and presentable in uniform at all times, and the cost of uniforms has increased, reducing their take-home pay.
Four Million and Forty Thousand Pesos (P4,040,000) or so much thereof as may be necessary.
The amount shall be programmed yearly thereafter in the appropriation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
It takes effect on July 1, 1974.
It specifies an annual clothing allowance—“at least P360.00 annually.”
It recognizes that uniform costs are a real expense tied to duty requirements, and thus compensates officers through an allowance to prevent undue reduction of take-home pay.
It contemplates recurring funding: it appropriates P4,040,000 initially and requires that the amount be programmed yearly thereafter in the AFP’s annual appropriation.