Mamamayang Liberal (ML) Party-list Rep. Leila de Lima wants to strengthen the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) at a time when an eccentric and vocal House colleague of hers is pursuing the abolition of the maritime sentry.

De Lima highlighted over the weekend her filing of House Bill (HB) No. 5131, which sought to repeal Republic Act (RA) No. 9993 or the “Philippine Coast Guard Law of 2009”, and introduce a comprehensive “Revised Philippine Coast Guard Law”.

The former senator said she filed the bill in light of increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) and the strategic importance of the Philippine maritime domain.

While De Lima didn't mention any congressman, her call sounded like an indirect response to recent statements made by "congressmeow' Cavite 4th district Rep. Francis "Kiko" Barzaga.

“The PCG plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety of life and property at sea and protecting the marine environment within the maritime jurisdiction of the country. Over the past decade, however, emerging maritime threats, increasing international obligations, and rapid developments in the maritime domain have outpaced the capabilities of the PCG, necessitating a comprehensive update to its legal charter,” De Lima said.

“By modernizing the PCG, we seek to position the Philippines as a responsible maritime nation, capable of protecting its vast maritime zones, fulfilling its international obligations, and ensuring the safety, security, and sustainability of our seas,” she added.

Bazarga--a rather proud rage-baiter on social media--recently posted a video wherein he called for the abolition of the PCG. He called the PCG a corrupt organization that was allegedly leading Filipinos toward World War III by meddling with China's affairs with Taiwan.

“Respeto at suporta sa pagpapatibay ng mandato ang kailangan ng ating PCG, hindi pangmamaliit, pang-aalipusta at mga paratang na walang basehan (Respect and support in strengthening the mandate is what our PCG needs, not belittlement, abuse, and baseless accusations)," De Lima said.

"Ang pagpapaunlad at pagpapalakas sa kanilang hanay ay pagsusulong ng lalong kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan, at ng higit na pangangalaga sa ating likas na yaman at dangal ng ating bayan,” noted the deputy minority leader.

(The development and empowerment of their ranks is a push for greater safety for our fellow citizens, and for stronger protection of our natural resources and the dignity of our nation.)

De Lima's measure seeks to strengthen organizational structure in PCG by creating three core functional commands – Maritime Safety Services Command, Marine Environmental Protection Command, and Maritime Security Law Enforcement Command – with appropriate support, operational, and technical units;

It will increase personnel capacity and professionalism and ensure adequate manning levels across 16 coast guard districts nationwide. These will be supported by provisions for specialized technical officers such as doctors, lawyers, and environmental specialists;

HB No.5131 also seeks to align salaries, ranks, and benefits of PCG uniformed personnel with those of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP);

More importantly, it will modernize assets and infrastructure by authorizing the PCG to develop a comprehensive development plan for vessels, aircraft, navigation and communications systems, and maritime monitoring facilities;

It eyes enhanced national security coordination by integrating PCG operations with the AFP in times of war or national emergency, including interoperability through shared training and personnel exchange programs.

“Araw-araw humaharap sa peligro ang hanay ng PCG sa pagbabantay sa ating teritoryo at yamang dagat, sa paghahatid ng tulong at pagprotekta sa ating mga mangingisda mula sa pambubully at pang-ha-harass ng dayuhang nangangamkam ng ating teritoryo, at sa pagresponde sa panahon ng sakuna. Obligasyon ng estado na protektahan at itaguyod din ang kanilang kapakanan,” De Lima said.

(The ranks of the PCG face danger daily in guarding our territory and marine resources, in delivering aid and protecting our fishermen from bullying and harassment by foreigners encroaching on our territory, and in responding during times of disaster. It is the obligation of the state to also protect and uphold their welfare.)