Manila: Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Amenah Pangandaman has approved the release of PHP30.409 billion to cover the regular pension requirements of military and uniformed personnel (MUP) for the first quarter of 2025.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DBM stated that the fund is sourced from the Pension and Gratuity Fund under Republic Act 12116 or the 2025 General Appropriations Act. The allocation of around PHP16.752 billion from the total has been directed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines's General Headquarters-Proper and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office under the Department of National Defense.

A sum of PHP13.297 billion has been allocated to the Department of the Interior and Local Government's attached agencies, including the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and National Police Commission. Additionally, the DBM allocated PHP8.530 million for the 34 pensioners under the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

The funding requirements for the pension payments to the 2,836 retired uniformed personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard for the same period amounted to PHP350.680 million, as per the DBM's statement. The department noted that the releases are based on the actual pension payroll submitted by the aforementioned MUP agencies as of December 31, 2024.

Secretary Pangandaman emphasized that the release of funds for the MUP's pension was in accordance with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. She highlighted the importance of these pensions for many retirees and their families, mentioning their role in meeting essential needs such as purchasing medication or food. Pangandaman further explained that, understanding the significance of timely benefits for pensioners, the budget was promptly signed and released to the concerned agencies once the necessary documents were completed.