MANILA, Philippines — President Marcos Jr. has renewed his vow to turn the Armed Forces of the Philippines into a “world-class” force amid budget constraints.

“To all the members of the AFP, be assured that this Administration remains committed to transforming our AFP into a world-class force that is a source of national pride and national security,” President Marcos said during the joint graduation ceremony of the Major Services Officer Candidate Course on Friday.

The remark came a year after the chief executive first assured the armed force of his plans to modernize the military force during a traditional dinner he hosted for the AFP Council of Sergeants Major at Malacañan Palace in October last year.

“We will modernize your equipment, enhance your training programs, ensure that you are equipped to face challenges not just of today, but also of the future,” Marcos said.

Over a month ago, some lawmakers called for the restoration of the P10-billion slashed from the Department of National Defense budget, highlighting the funding’s “crucial role” in advancing the AFP Modernization Program.

Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa, sponsor of the DND budget, said the AFP Modernization Funds’ budget cut will affect seven projects, including cyber systems, support equipment, aircraft, combat vehicles, and radar systems.

The slashed P10-billion fund was later restored, bringing back the P50 billion  original proposed funding for the military force, but the restored budget is still far from the annual minimum appropriation of P75 billion in the General Appropriations Act to support the AFP’s modernization needs.

Despite the budget cut, House Speaker Martin Romualdez assured the AFP of budget support, including a proposed P350 daily allowance hike for soldiers—up from the current P150 allowance.

This means soldiers are getting P10,500 monthly from the original P4,500 allowance.

“Napakagandang balita na nilagay po natin ang increase of our soldier’s daily subsistence allowance. We increased it from P150 to P350, that is going to be maintained and fully supported para sa ating mga sundalo,” Speaker Romualdez told reporters in an ambush interview after the bicameral conference committee meeting on Thursday.

“This is a big step forward in showing our full support for the men and women in uniform. It recognizes their sacrifices and the sacrifices of their families who stand behind them,” he said in a separate statement.