PCG's BRP Teresa Magbanua

The House of Representatives is poised to pass on third and final reading before the September recess the bill that will modernize the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG). 

This developed as the 300-plus strong House approved on second reading last Sept. 11 House Bill (HB) No.10841, which sought to improve the PCG’s organizational and operational frameworks, and make it more responsive to maritime security concerns. 

Author ACT-CIS Party-list Rep. Erwin Tulfo, deputy majority leader for communications, notes that HB No,10841 is vital to protecting maritime territories particularly in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

“In our ongoing fight to assert our sovereignty in the [WPS]. House Bill No. 10841 is both timely and necessary. It strengthens the PCG’s role as the first line  of defense in maritime security while positioning the Philippines as a responsible maritime nation,” he said. 

The bill seeks to provide the PCG with P5 billion in annual appropriations while also allowing it to receive loans and grants from local or foreign sources to boost modernization efforts. 

“At a time when our nation faces increasing challenges in safeguarding our maritime territory, this bill ensures that the PCG is equipped with the tools and resources to fulfill its mandate effectively,” Tulfo said in his sponsorship speech. 

“The importance of maritime security cannot be overstated. Everyone knows full well how much our fisherfolk and PCG personnel have suffered over the past few months because of the harassment and aggressive maneuvers of the Chinese Coast Guard in our very waters,” added the neophyte congressman. 

“Firm in our stance against these unlawful acts but from the perspective of diplomacy and international support, we remained committed to enhancing instead our defense and surveillance capabilities and strengthening the coordination between government agencies and international partners. This bill is a culmination of such efforts,” Tulfo noted. 

He said that by empowering the PCG, the piece of legislation will "reinforces our commitment to assert our sovereignty and protect our maritime waters, ensuring the safety of our fishermen and coastal communities". 

Tulfo also explained that with modernized assets, enhanced personnel training, and improved funding mechanisms, the PCG will be better positioned to respond swiftly and decisively to emerging threats. 

Other proponents of the measure include House Speaker Martin Romualdez, Majority Leader Mannix Dalipe, and Senior Deputy Majority Leader Sandro Marcos.