De Lima seeks new law for wider PCG reforms
Mamamayang Liberal Rep. Leila de Lima has urged Congress to strengthen—not dismantle—the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), days after Cavite Rep. Francisco “Kiko” Barzaga floated the idea of abolishing the country’s maritime law enforcement agency following recent West Philippine Sea (WPS) tensions.
De Lima on Friday filed House Bill No. 5131, which proposes a stronger organizational structure for the agency tasked to patrol the WPS by establishing three core functional commands: Maritime Safety Services, Marine Environmental Protection and Maritime Security Law Enforcement.
In seeking its passage, De Lima said the measure would allow the PCG to respond more effectively to “emerging maritime threats, increasing international obligations and rapid developments in the maritime domain” that have outpaced the agency’s current capabilities.
She added that the agency tasked to patrol Philippine waters deserved both institutional and moral support “(especially) since the PCG men and women constantly face risks and dangers in their mandate to patrol our territory and marine resources.”
If enacted, the bill would repeal Republic Act No. 9993, the current law governing the PCG. The salaries and benefits of Coast Guard personnel would also be aligned with those of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police.
Professionalizing service
The bill also empowers the PCG to draw up a long-term modernization plan covering vessels, aircraft, navigation and communication systems and maritime monitoring facilities.
It would also expand personnel capacity and professionalize the service by hiring more officers and specialists such as doctors, lawyers and environmental experts.
The proposed law provides mechanisms for grants and international partnerships to ensure sustainable financing, creates an Internal Affairs Service to institutionalize accountability and strengthens coordination with the AFP during national emergencies.
It also mandates the development of systems for oil spill response and closer cooperation with local and international partners in disaster response and environmental protection.
De Lima’s bill comes after Barzaga earlier stirred debate with his suggestion to abolish the Coast Guard and its functions transferred to other agencies, citing alleged inefficiency and redundancy with the Navy.
The neophyte lawmaker’s remark drew criticism from maritime advocates, who warned that weakening the PCG would undermine the Philippines’ maritime safety and sovereignty enforcement.
