Senate Majority Leader Francis Tolentino called for a crash course on the newly enacted Philippine Maritime Zones Act, also known as Republic Act 12064, for 4,000 new recruits of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“Beyond basic training and physical formations, the new recruits of the Coast Guard should undergo a study of the Philippine Maritime Zones Act,” said Tolentino.
“They will better understand where our territorial sea, international waters, exclusive economic zone, and others are located.”
Tolentino made the proposal during a discussion with PCG spokesperson Commodore Algier Ricafrente on Wednesday, emphasizing the importance of understanding maritime zones such as territorial seas, exclusive economic zones (EEZ), and international waters.
The Philippine Maritime Zones Act, which Tolentino authored, aims to define and protect the country’s maritime rights under international law. Ricafrente welcomed the suggestion, noting that the new recruits will be deployed across various regions to strengthen the PCG’s growing force of 35,000 personnel.
He also thanked lawmakers for the recent Senate approval of House Bill 10841, which sets a three-year fixed term for the PCG Commandant.