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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Tolentino asks DOJ to clarify PCG jurisdiction over 'pleasure yachts'

Tolentino asks DOJ to clarify PCG jurisdiction over 'pleasure yachts'

Published May 14, 2024 03:33 am

At A Glance

  • Senator Francis Tolentino sought the opinion of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to clarify the jurisdiction of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) over private foreign vessels.

30020421-BE67-42DE-A25F-7A32FAAD0B8F.jpegSenator Francis Tolentino (Senate Social Media Unit)

Senator Francis Tolentino has sought the opinion of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to clarify the jurisdiction of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) over private foreign vessels.

During a recent Senate hearing on the confiscation of 1.4 tons of "shabu" in Alitagtag, Batangas, a PCG official said they cannot act independently and do not have authority over foreign “pleasure yachts” due to a circular from the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA).

The Philippine National Police (PNP) previously said the drugs were linked to a yacht that came from abroad.

Tolentino, a lawyer by profession, notes that the PCG’s mandate is derived from Republic Act (RA) No. 9993, or the Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009. He said this law should not be disregarded by a mere circular.

“I like to ask the honorable undersecretary of the DOJ (Department of Justice), iyong position ng coast guard na yung circular ay pwedeng matabunan ang isang batas na ginawa ng Congress? (Is it the position of the coast guard that a circular can override a law made by Congress?)” Tolentino inquired during the hearing of the Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs.

In response, DOJ Undersecretary Raul Vasquez told the panel that the position of the PCG was “without basis”.

Vasquez says the coast guard’s mandate is according to statute, which holds a higher level of authority than a memorandum circular.

He further said that MARINA’s mandate was limited to registration and administration of vessels.

With this, the PCG still retains the power to inspect private foreign vessels as a law enforcement authority.

Related Tags

Philippine Coast Guard Drugs Francis Tolentino foreign vessels
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