On third and final reading, the House of Representatives approved a joint resolution which seeks to increase the base pay of soldiers, cops and uniformed personnel (MUP) in the government.

Through 167 affirmative votes, 4 in the negative and 0 abstention, House Resolution No. 18 passed the chamber and now authorizes the increase in the base pay of personnel from the military, the police and other uniformed personnel in the Philippine government.

Under the said resolution, all military personnel employed under the Department of National Defense and all uniformed personnel employed under the Department of Interior and Local Government, Philippine Coast Guard and including the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority will be covered by the modified base pay schedule.

The modified Base Pay Schedule will be implemented within two years, which will take effect by January 1, 2018 for uniformed personnel from the ranks of candidate soldier to chief master sergeant and their corresponding ranks.

Meanwhile, as for uniformed personnel from the ranks of first chief master sergeant up to general and their corresponding ranks, they will experience the increase by January 1, 2019.

In addition, all military and uniformed personnel will likewise be entitled to a fixed hazard pay of P540 per month.

Troops gratefully welcomed the approval of the said measure.

In a statement released by Magdalo party list representative, Gary Alejano, he noted: