Senator Win Gatchalian is seeking an organizational reform of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in support of the agency amid ongoing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Specifically, Gatchalian is pushing for the proposed Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law, which seeks to strengthen the agency by addressing its operational and administrative gaps in light of continuing incursions of the Chinese Coast Guard in the WPS.
Gatchalian noted there have been gaps in the organizational structure and welfare benefits of PCG personnel that caused hindrances to its operations. “When the PCG transitioned from military to civilian administration under the Department of Transportation, no measures were put in place to secure the rights, welfare, and morale of the people working in the agency. As a result, the very people tasked to protect our waters are often left to fend for themselves,” he said.
The proposed revision of the Coast Guard law aims to address such gaps by reorganizing the agency, enhancing its capabilities and ensuring the welfare of its personnel. “The bill sends a powerful message: We stand for our sovereignty, we stand with our coast guard, we stand united as a nation,” he emphasized.
Gatchalian had also filed a bill earlier seeking to implement a modernization program for PCG. As provided under Senate Bill 2516, the modernization program aims to enhance PCG’s assets and facilities, bolster its capabilities, and strengthen the effective implementation of its mandate under Republic Act 9993 or the Philippine Coast Guard Law.
Specifically, the proposed modernization measure provides for the creation of the PCG Modernization Trust Fund. On top of the Modernization Trust Fund, an initial appropriation of P1 billion will also be provided for the measure’s implementation.
“Kailangan nating paigtingin ang kakayahan at kapasidad ng Philippine Coast Guard dahil sila ang pangunahing tagapagtanggol ng ating mga karagatan laban sa bantang pangkalikasan, iligal na aktibidad, at paglusob na maaaring magdulot ng pinsala sa ating teritoryo at seguridad,” he added.
