Senator Sherwin Gatchalian has filed a bill to reform, reorganize, and strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) citing the continuing aggression of Chinese vessels in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Under Senate Bill No. 2650, Gatchalian intends to repeal Republic Act 9993, also known as the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009, and replace it with the Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law.
The proposed measure seeks to enhance the organizational structure of the PCG and enable it to attract qualified personnel.
"It aims to better equip the Coast Guard to fulfill its mandate, considering the importance of having a well-mannered and responsive institution to meet regional and international challenges related to the maritime jurisdiction of the Philippines,” the bill read.
The senator noted that gaps in the organizational structure, administration, and ensuring personnel welfare have negatively impacted PCG operations.
The PCG, initially established as a major unit of the Philippine Army in 1967, transitioned to civilian administration, moving from the Office of the President to the Department of Transportation in 1998.
Earlier, Gatchalian filed Senate Bill 2516 or the PCG Modernization Act to modernize the PCG.
It also aims to enhance PCG’s assets and facilities and bolster its capabilities. The proposed measure seeks to develop a more mobile and visible coast guard force that will establish its vision to become a world-class guardian of the sea by 2025.
The Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines Endo Kazuya meanwhile assured the PCG of Japan’s support in its capability development, specifically through the acquisition of additional capital ships.
Kazuya recently met with PCG Commandant Admiral Ronnie Gil L. Gavan in a courtesy visit in Manila.
PCG Spokesperson Rear Admiral Armando Balilo, said the Philippines and Japan will conduct a note signing for the acquisition of five 97-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) on Friday, May 17. The contract signing will ensue thereafter.
To date, the PCG has two 97-meter MRRVs, BRP Teresa Magbanua (MRRV-9701) and BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702), which are active in conducting maritime security and safety operations in the West Philippine Sea.
BRP Melchora Aquino (MRRV-9702) safely arrived in Port Area, Manila, after participating in the recently concluded PHL-US Balikatan Exercise 2024.
