Peacekeepers to get additional pay

Wednesday, 25 May 2011 08:58

Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who will be assigned as members of peacekeeping and expeditionary contingents to other countries may soon receive additional pay.

Under House Bill 4617 authored principally by Rep. Rodolfo Biazon (Lone District, Muntinlupa City), the officers and enlisted men who will be deployed as part of the peacekeeping forces abroad will receive additional pay equivalent to 25 percent and 75 percent, respectively, of their basic salary during their tour of duty.

The amount is over and above the monthly allowances they will receive from the UN.

There should be special pay rates and allowances for AFP expeditionary and peacekeeping contingents serving overseas pursuant to the Philippine’' commitment to the United Nations' enforcement of sanctions and policies," Biazon said.

Biazon, who chairs the House Committee on National Defense and Security, said the Philippines has sent contingents to several countries like Congo, Korea, Vietnam, Haiti and East Timor to enforce the United Nations sanctions and policies.

At present, Biazon said the Philippine government has also sent contingents to some countries in Africa and the Middle East.

Biazon added that aside from being able to perform its obligations under the United Nations Charter, the AFP will have the opportunity to develop its expertise in international peacekeeping and expeditionary duties.

"Members receive additional compensation, both from government and the UN to benefit their families," Biazon said.

Biazon said that except for Republic Act 573 dated September 7, 1950, which provides for the creation, organization, equipage and rates of pay of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea, there is no law that determines the rates of pay and financial support, which the members of the contingents should receive.

"As a consequence, there are no standard rates of pay and allowances which could serve as a basis for the contingent the country sends abroad. This is further exacerbated by the absence of guidelines on the utilization of United Nations funds which enables high ranking officers of the AFP to unilaterally determine how much the contingent members should receive," Biazon said.

Biazon said the absence of a law has resulted in contingent members receiving less than the amount which they are entitled to from the United Nations as portions thereof were used for activities other than for the stated purpose, although they are related to peacekeeping or expeditionary activities.

Biazon said the peacekeeping force shall be entitled to service rations, barracks accommodations, medical attention, clothing, winter and other protective clothing and subsistence and quarters allowance as provided by law.

"The provision shall not preclude military personnel from receiving additional subsistence allowances which may be provided by the United Nations relative to the occasion of their duty services," Biazon said.