2025/06/10
The Ministry of National Defense released a press statement explaining the "Revised Draft of the Pay Act of the Armed Forces."
MND Press Release
Published at 21:20 on June 10, 2025
The Legislative Yuan passed the revised draft of the Pay Act of the Armed Forces in its third reading today (Jun. 10). The Ministry of National Defense (MND) expressed that it welcomes the increase of salary for military personnel. However, the MND also hopes that before passing any bill which significantly increase government expenditures, the Legislative Yuan should first consult with the executive branch and coordinate feasible funding sources.
The MND explained that, based on the provisions passed in the third reading today and using the 2025 planned personnel numbers as a basis, the estimated additional annual budget required is nearly NT$30 billion. According to Article 91 of the Budget Act and Article 5 of the Fiscal Discipline Act, if a bill proposed by legislators would significantly increase expenditures or reduce revenues, it must first seek the opinion of the Executive Yuan and specify the sources of funding for covering.
The MND pointed out that following the guidance of President LAI CHING-TE, the executive team has spared no effort in improving the treatment and welfare of military personnel. In April of this year, several benefits—including significant increases to volunteer soldier allowances—were implemented and have already been disbursed.
Nonetheless, the national defense budget is a part of the central government’s overall budget, and its potential for growth in scale and in extent is constrained by the size of government expenditures and the prioritization of key policy initiatives. If the increased personnel expenses are incorporated into the annual budget while the overall growth of the defense budget remains limited, it will crowd out funding for other areas such as military investment and operational maintenance.
The MND will continue to work with the Executive Yuan to study and develop relevant measures, based on the principle of balancing the welfare and benefits of military personnel with the overall fiscal health of the nation.