Senator Christopher “Bong” Go on Wednesday, August 9 renewed his push for the modernization of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to better safeguard maritime welfare and security in the country. 

Sen. Christopher "Bong" Go (MB File Photo) 

Go raised his call after a 55-year old woman died after a passenger vessel MB King Sto. Niño 7 encountered a mishap near Corcuera in Romblon. 

The incident occurred on August 5 after the passenger vessel became half-submerged near Corcuera. According to the PCG, one of the passengers managed to contact the local PCG station to report the situation.

The senator also cited the tragedy in Binangonan, Rizal province last July 27, where a boat capsized due to severe winds, resulting in 27 deaths.

“Kung kailangan pa nating mas palakasin ang PCG upang mas magampanan nila nang buong husay ang kanilang tungkulin, (gawin po natin), (If we need to strengthen the PCG so they can fully execute their mandate, we will do it),” Go said.

Nevertheless, Go said there is a need to demand accountability for the incident. 

“Unang-una, managot po ang dapat managot dito at sino talaga ang may kasalanan. Tuwing may lumulubog, tuwing may disaster na nangyayari, sisihan ang nangyayari (First of all, those who are responsible for the incident should be held accountable. Everytime a vessel capsizes, or a disaster happens, they always blame each other),” he noted. 

Go who has filed Senate Bill No. 2112, or the PCG Modernization Bill, stressed that the Coast Guard needs to be modernized as they serve as the country's frontline defense against threats like smuggling, terrorism. 

“Malaki po ang kanilang trabaho (They have a huge job). Additionally, they provide invaluable assistance during natural disasters and emergencies," Go said.

The bill primarily seeks to upgrade PCG’s assets and resources, and to enable the service to carry out its duties and responsibilities more effectively. It also seeks to upgrade the coast guard's vessels, aircraft, and equipment to meet international standards, he said.